Anko is a pinch? The reason is October 16 at 15:35

Appetite autumn! Are you missing sweets? The anko that is indispensable for the sweets is now in a pinch. The price of raw red beans has soared in recent years. Japanese confectionery manufacturers across the country are struggling to deal with such issues as considering price increases one after another. I interviewed in Hokkaido where the production volume is over 90% of the whole country. (Sapporo broadcast station reporter Norihiro Kobayashi / Obihiro broadcast reporter Makoto Kato)

Anko event, great success

An event held at a department store in Sapporo. Dorayaki and ice cream at the venue. The name “Anko Exposition” is to appeal the charm of “Anko” made with Hokkaido red beans. 21 stores opened not only from Hokkaido but also from Tokyo.

The people who packed the venue spoke in their mouths, saying, “It ’s really delicious” and “I'm happy with the smell of red beans”. Takashi Yokoi from the department store “Sapporo Marui Mitsukoshi” said, “I hope I can convey the charm of red beans and red bean paste.”

However, all the stores that have opened stores now have common problems.

An incident that occurred in Tokachi

To find out why, when we visited the field of Otofuke Town in Tokachi District, Hokkaido, the largest producer of red beans nationwide, Mr. Shinichi Okada (52), a farmer of red beans, was just starting harvesting.

Mr. Okada said, “I think it is about a week late to start harvesting,” although it is expected that we will be able to secure the same amount of harvest as normal.

In fact, the yield of Hokkaido-grown red beans has been decreasing since the typhoon hit the Tokachi region three years ago. In this year, the yield fell dramatically to about 27,000 tons. Although it recovered to 39,000 tons last year due to the long rain in summer, it has not reached the level before the typhoon. However, a hot day with a maximum temperature of over 35 degrees continued until the beginning of August, and the number of pods was less than normal because the flowers were deflated.

In the situation of wholesale company "first in 40 years"

The impact also extends to the wholesaler of red beans. When Mr. Masahito Sugawara, President of Marukatsu, guided us through the warehouse, there were few red beans.

Mr. Sugawara explained, “This is usually a place where products are temporarily stocked, and it is piled up near the ceiling, but since last year there are no more stocks, as you can see, it is in a rattling state.” .

This is due to sluggish yields. And I was sighing about this state, "I've been a bean shop for over 40 years, but this is the first time."

This wholesale company refuses to accept purchase inquiries from confectionery manufacturers, etc., because there is no inventory available for sale.

In early spring, I asked many farmers to plant red beans, and President Sugawara said, “We are in the midst of high expectations for 'new products' that will be harvested this fall. I hope I can pick beans. "

Price rise, product development impact

As a result, prices continue to rise. According to the producer group “Hokuren”, the price purchased from producers in Tokachi last year was about 25,000 yen per 60 km, double that of four years ago. This is the highest level in 15 years.

In the past, red beans were vulnerable to cold damage, and in the year when the yield fell dramatically, the price jumped and there was a time when it was called the “red diamond”. Later, “red diamonds” became a thing of the past due to the development of varieties that are resistant to cold damage. However, if the yield of Hokuren does not recover, there is a possibility that the high price will continue in the future.

The rise in red beans is also hitting confectionery makers. “Morimoto”, a confectionery maker headquartered in Chitose, uses red beans for more than 20 items, mainly Japanese sweets. The amount to be used is about 400 kg a day when there are many. Most of them rely on Tokachi, but the purchase price has increased by 20% compared to last year. For this reason, the price has been raised from 10 yen to 30 yen, mainly for products that use anko. If the price continues to rise, we will have to consider raising the price further.

“Morimoto” Kenta Sano from the Japanese confectionery team said, “Since it will be difficult to develop their own products if the price goes up any more, it ’s honest that we do n’t want to go up anymore.”

Azuki brand is at the perfect moment

If Hokkaido-grown red beans are sluggish, it's natural to think about switching to another production area. Still, when I talked to a confectionery maker, they say, “To keep the quality of products, Hokkaido and Tokachi red beans are indispensable.” It has been evaluated as a production area that has been accumulated over a long period of time, with its grains being uniform, having a good taste and high aroma.

However, if prices continue to rise rapidly, it is not surprising that more manufacturers will switch production areas. The established Hokkaido and Tokachi brands. I would like to expect the efforts of those involved to protect it.

Sapporo station broadcasting station reporter Norihiro Kobayashi

Responsible for economic coverage of Sapporo Station after entering the Office of Muroran in 2013.

Obihiro Broadcasting Station reporter Makoto Kato

In charge of information and communication in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, 2009