Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee Inc. has announced plans to increase the price of its popular potato chips. The company cites rising costs of raw materials and labor as the key reason for this price adjustment. The new prices will be implemented across Japan in the upcoming months. Despite past consumer backlash against such actions, Calbee remains committed to assuring the quality of its products while keeping their business sustainable.

For Japanese consumers, the price hike by Calbee, beloved for their ubiquitous snacks, is likely to be a hot topic. Historically, when staple items or popular products increase prices, it causes public concern due to the relatively high cost of living in Japan. Consumers care deeply about an affordable and stable price for daily goods, and Calbee's decision might even cause reactions in political and economic circles.

In the US or EU, price increases for popular consumer goods often cause similar concerns. However, companies usually have more flexibility in pricing due to the diversity of brands and competition. Therefore, while price changes can cause temporary uproar, consumers often have alternative choices in these regions, and the initial reactions can fade eventually.