ブラジル産鶏肉が安値　から揚げ店は売り上げアップと思いきや…のしかかる鶏肉以外のコスト代　 (26/09/02 15:31)

Currently, the price of chicken is attracting attention due to its recent decline. This decline is mainly in Brazilian chicken. Meanwhile, the price of domestically produced chicken has reached an all-time high. Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), a popular dish enjoyed by both children and adults, is a staple on many dinner tables. At the Iseya supermarket in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, they use Brazilian chicken for their karaage. On the other hand, the meat section sells domestically produced chicken. "Domestic chicken prices continue to rise. Brazilian chicken is about 20% cheaper than it was in July," says Masaki Matsuura, Meat Department Manager at Iseya Fresh Market. The price of Brazilian chicken, which had been soaring since around spring, has reportedly returned to the level it was at the beginning of this year. "Before July, due to exchange rates and various factors like Japan's fuel costs, the price of Brazilian chicken rose to the same level as domestically produced chicken. There were no factors that would cause it to fall, so frankly speaking, I think there was a surplus of unsold stock. We're doing business while fearing when prices will rise again, so we only have special sales when they're cheap," (Matsuura). Brazilian Chicken Prices on a Decline Brazilian chicken prices had soared to the same level as domestic chicken due to factors such as the situation in the Middle East, but as various countries have "restrained their purchases," prices have reversed and are now on a downward trend. Meanwhile, the price of domestically produced chicken continues to rise. According to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the retail price of domestically produced chicken last month was 156 yen per 100 grams. This is the highest price since August 2003, the earliest date for which a simple comparison is possible. This store also says that prices have risen by about 20% compared to the same period last year. "With rising fuel and feed costs, and labor costs increasing due to the minimum wage, domestically produced chicken prices are definitely on the rise. We predict they will rise even further during November and December, when demand is high," (Matsuura). They started importing more Brazilian chicken about two months ago. Nagoya Maruyo Shoten, located in Showa Ward, Nagoya City. This is a popular fried chicken specialty shop known for its generously portioned fried chicken and freshly made bento boxes. "Currently, we use Thai and Brazilian chicken alternately. The ratio is 2 parts Brazilian to 1 part Thai," (Masayoshi Inano, Manager, Maruyo Shoten Sakurayama Store). This shop previously mainly used Thai chicken, but about two months ago, they started importing more Brazilian chicken. "We usually source Brazilian chicken for around 600-650 yen per kilogram. Brazilian chicken has become cheaper, so we're using it now," (Store Manager Inano). In the past few months, containers that were in the 30-yen range have risen to over 40 yen. The wholesale price of Brazilian chicken has been gradually increasing since around last autumn. By February of this year, it had risen to 800 yen per kilogram. Now, it's said to have fallen to around 600 yen. While one might expect sales to increase with the price drop of Brazilian chicken… "Oil, seasonings, flour… various ingredients we use. Those have gone up in price a bit. And then there are the containers, which are still expensive. That's the biggest factor," (Store Manager Inano). Costs other than chicken are weighing heavily. In the past few months, containers that were in the 30-yen range have risen to over 40 yen. Even with cheaper chicken, the business isn't getting any easier, they say. "Even though it's said to be cheaper, I think it's still on the expensive side compared to the original price, so if it becomes a little cheaper, we'll consider lowering the price a bit more," (Store Manager Inano)