TOKYO — The Japan Fair Trade Commission conducted raids on six major ice cream manufacturing companies on Tuesday, June 17, 2026. The raids were initiated on suspicion of price fixing among the companies.

Officials raided Meiji Co., Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Morinaga & Co., Lotte Co., Ezaki Glico Co., and Akagi Nyugo Co. These companies produce ice cream, pudding, chocolate bars, chewing gum, and various other confectionery items sold across the country. The companies are being investigated for allegations that managers maintained contact for several years, coordinating 10-yen price increases and synchronizing the timing of these price hikes.

Meiji released a statement confirming it was subject to an on-site inspection concerning the sale prices of its ice cream products. A spokesperson for Meiji stated, "We accept with sincerity the fact that our company was raided, and we promise to cooperate fully with the Japan Fair Trade Commission investigation." Meiji added, "We take this inspection very seriously and will cooperate fully with the Fair Trade Commission's investigation."

Ezaki Glico Co. also commented on the situation. A representative said, "We will respond in good faith to the Fair Trade Commission's investigation and cooperate fully." The commission did not issue a public statement regarding the investigation.

The commission previously published guidelines on its website. These guidelines state that ice cream manufacturers do not have the right to refuse to distribute products to retailers who decline to follow a suggested retail price. In 2022, the commission collaborated with prosecutors to investigate the advertising agency Dentsu in connection with corruption allegations related to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.