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Calbee Moves 14 Snacks to Black-White Packaging Over Iran Conflict

5/13/2026

Summary

Calbee Cuts Colors

Calbee Inc. will switch the packaging of 14 snack products to black-and-white on May 25 because the war in Iran has disrupted supply of a colored-ink ingredient and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The new packaging will use only two ink colors, reducing the previous multicolored designs.
Calbee says the snack contents remain unchanged despite the packaging change.

Summary

Japan Naphtha Hearing

Fact-finding hearing on naphtha supply set for Tuesday, government spokesperson said.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato said naphtha imports from outside the Middle East tripled in May.
Japan’s strategic oil reserves dropped to 205 days by 8 May, covering only about three weeks of demand.
Calbee’s shares fell more than 1% after announcing monochrome or reduced-print packaging, prompting Itoham Yonekyu Holdings and a beverage maker to plan similar changes.

History

Historical Context

October 1973 OAPEC’s oil embargo cut shipments to Japan, which sourced about 90% of its oil from the Middle East and kept a reserve of 55 days. The shock forced a 20% oil cut and spurred diversification into nuclear power and sources. Today, Iran-Iraq fighting closing the Strait of Hormuz has led Calbee and Itoham to slash ink-color and naphtha imports, echoing the 1973 crisis.

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Calbee Cuts Colors

Calbee Inc. will switch the packaging of 14 snack products to black-and-white on May 25 because the war in Iran has disrupted supply of a colored-ink ingredient and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The new packaging will use only two ink colors, reducing the previous multicolored designs.
Calbee says the snack contents remain unchanged despite the packaging change.

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