Japan’s largest food company, Calbee, is currently replacing its brightly coloured packaging with black-and-white designs after supply interruptions due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Scroll down to know more.
Calbee Replaces Its Coloured Packaging
As per a report by the Indian Express, the US-Iran conflict has led to shortages of the ink ingredients. Popular for its colourfully packaged potato chips and snacks, the company stated 14 of its products will shift to monochrome packaging by the end of May. The shift comes as supply chains of naphtha, a petroleum-derived raw material used in printing ink, have become unreliable following the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Calbee also said that the decision was prompted by the lack of clarity in the supply of raw materials due to the war. As per reports, Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for energy shipments, with around 40% of the country’s naphtha usage sourced from the region. The interruption has caused concerns among manufacturers that depend on petroleum-based materials for packaging and chemicals.
Ink Shortage Due To The Ongoing Conflict
The development has drawn major attention in Japan, where companies are already dealing with rising input costs and supply chain unpredictability. A temporary halt in production of another popular snack brand due to difficulties in finding heavy oil earlier this year had triggered a quick consumer panic.
As per reports, senior government spokesperson Kei Sato addressed the concern, and Japan has enough reserves and is expanding its import routes to maintain supplies.
He stated that enough supplies of the naphtha ink ingredient have been gathered for important functions in Japan. He further stated that the authorities are working with major corporations to ensure naphtha is imported by routes other than through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Founded in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1949, as the city itself was being rebuilt after the atomic bombing, Calbee has grown into one of the world’s best snack manufacturers, with products being sold across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is Calbee Korean or Japanese?
It is a Japanese snack food maker.
Is Calbee American?
Calbee was founded in Japan in 1949, and quickly grew to become the largest, most well-respected snack food company in the country.
Is Calbee popular in Japan?
Calbee is one of the leading snack manufacturers in Japan.