X/ Japanese chips have "lost color" because of the Iran war
We are talking about 14 products, including popular potato chips and snacks, which are sold not only in Japan, but also exported to the United States, China and Australia. The changes will take effect on May 25, AP writes. The company emphasized that the recipe and product quality will remain the same – only the appearance of the packaging will change.
Calbee explained the decision by the need to adapt to the unstable geopolitical situation. The war in Iran and actual restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have already led to an increase in prices for petroleum products and a shortage of raw materials. One of the key materials was naphtha, a product of oil refining used in the production of plastic and printing inks.
For Japan, which is almost entirely dependent on oil imports, the effects of the crisis are becoming more noticeable. While previously the impact of the conflict was felt mainly through rising fuel prices, now even everyday goods are affected by the disruptions.
The change looks particularly dramatic for the branded Usu Sio potato chips, which for many years were sold in bright orange bags with the image of a potato mascot. Now the packaging will be almost entirely monochrome.
The company said it can’t yet say how long the transition to the simplified design will last. Calbee added that it will continue to respond quickly to geopolitical risks in order to maintain a steady supply of product.
