April 15, 2008

Japanese chicken and pork retail prices remain peak high

Retail prices of chicken and pork have remained at record high levels across Japan in early April, according to a weekly survey report released by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry.

The average price of chicken has increased from between JPY 1 to JPY 130 per 100 grams for chicken thighs while average pork price have increased JPY 252 per 100 grams for pork loin.

Meat prices have been rising since the case of dumpling poisoning reported in late January. The case has seen an increase of household numbers preferring to cook at home rather than buying processed foods, which may be a reason behind the price hikes, according to a ministry official.

JPY 1 = US$0.009