経済｜もやし業界の危機、13社が消える / Economy | Crisis in the Bean Sprout Industry: 13 Companies Disappear

Summary

In recent years, the bean sprout manufacturing industry has faced difficult circumstances, with at least 13 companies going bankrupt or ceasing operations in the past five years.

By 2026, four business closures have been confirmed, particularly with “Saiki Foods” halting operations in October. Many of the businesses are small-scale, so the actual number of withdrawals is likely higher. While they are beloved as an affordable staple for households, an increasing number of producers are struggling with declining performance.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: The bean sprout industry has been going through a tough time lately; apparently, 13 companies have disappeared in the last five years.
Chako: Really? That many have gone? We eat them at home all the time!
Log: Yeah, they’re budget-friendly ingredients, but it’s tough that their performance is declining.
Navi: Bean sprouts are popular as a “family-friendly ingredient,” but with the intensifying competition, it’s becoming difficult to make a profit.
Chako: I see, but I want to eat tastier bean sprouts!
Log: If the number of suppliers decreases, we might have fewer options to choose from.

Admin’s Note

Bean sprouts are a valued ingredient in many households, but the harsh realities facing the industry are quite surprising. It’s particularly striking that many bean sprout manufacturers are small-scale operations, leading to an increasing number of them withdrawing from the market. We may be entering an era where quality and differentiation are essential amidst ongoing price competition. As a consumer, I hope to continue enjoying delicious bean sprouts in the future.