Mizkan Holdings announced it will suspend sales of four natto products starting in May 2026 due to supply constraints driven by higher input costs and risks in raw material availability [1]. The company cited geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as increasing prices and supply risks for naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock crucial to packaging [1].
Rising procurement costs have strained Mizkan's natto production. The company had absorbed some cost increases but now finds maintaining supply under current prices difficult [1]. To address this, Mizkan will raise retail prices on all 19 natto products by 6% to 20% beginning June 1, 2026 [1].
A coalition of 712 companies and groups surveyed members from April 17 to 22, 2026. It found that 44% of members were already facing supply issues linked to the ongoing Middle East war [1]. The coalition projects that over 75% of members will be affected within three months [1].
The coalition submitted a policy proposal to Japan's trade ministry calling for consumer information measures and systems to prioritize supply [1]. Mizkan and others in the sector are closely monitoring raw material and energy costs, warning of possible further price hikes or supply impacts depending on market developments [1].
Mizkan’s suspension of some products and price increases on the full range begin May and June 2026, respectively, reflecting ongoing challenges in securing stable supply amid global geopolitical tensions [1].