Iran war crunch forces Japan's Calbee chips to go colourless

In a striking visual shift reflecting global supply chain woes, Japan's beloved snack giant Calbee is set to replace its iconic orange-and-yellow packaging with a minimalist black-and-white design for 14 product lines. This move, slated for late May or June, is a direct consequence of raw material shortages exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted the flow of essential goods.

The core issue lies in the procurement of printing ink, which has been compromised by a scarcity of naphtha. This oil byproduct is fundamental to numerous industries, and its instability directly impacts the vibrant packaging consumers have come to associate with Calbee's popular potato chips, breakfast cereals, and shrimp snacks like Kappa Ebisen. The company's statement cited "supply instability for certain raw materials resulting from the escalating tensions in the Middle East," underscoring the far-reaching economic consequences of geopolitical events.

Calbee has assured customers that it will "continue to respond swiftly and flexibly to changes in the business environment, including geopolitical risks, while striving to deliver safe, reliable, and satisfying products." This situation is not unique to Calbee; other Japanese food manufacturers, such as Itoham Yonekyu Holdings, are also exploring monochrome or alternative ink options. As reported by Dawn, the disruption highlights the vulnerability of global trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for oil transport. While Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated sufficient naphtha reserves for the time being, the packaging change serves as a potent symbol of the war's impact on everyday consumer goods.

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We will continue to respond swiftly and flexibly to changes in the business environment, including geopolitical risks, while striving to deliver safe, reliable, and satisfying products.