This month is National Strengthening Month, where efforts are focused on reducing so-called "food loss."
Among supermarkets and other organizations, there is a growing movement to review purchasing practices that lead to food waste and to reduce prices.
Of these, Life Corporation, a major supermarket, is reviewing its purchasing practices called the "one-third rule".
The "one-third rule" states that if it takes six months from manufacturing to the expiration date, as a general rule, we will not purchase any product that has passed two months, which is one-third of the time.
This supermarket has about 12,000 items such as beverages, seasonings, and sweets, and has extended this period by half.
If the reduction in food loss leads to cost reductions for manufacturers, I expect that eventually it will lead to a reduction in selling prices.
Mr. Kei Ogawa of the Sustainability Promotion Department said, "There is a risk that the sales period at stores will be somewhat shortened, but we would like to work on the entire supply chain, not just one company."
Such efforts are also underway at major retailers such as Seven & i Holdings.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has designated this month as a strengthening month for intensive efforts based on the "Food Loss Reduction Promotion Law". We are requesting manufacturers and supermarkets.