Japan: COVID-19 Impacts on Food Distribution in Japan - Update IV

In response to a third wave of COVID-19 infections, a new 30-day state of emergency was declared for much of Japan on January 7. Business travel, which was temporarily allowed for 11 countries and regions, has been halted through February 7. Additionally, Government of Japan (GOJ) programs to support domestic tourism have been suspended, which is expected to once again negatively impact hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sales. Restaurant bankruptcies reached a record high in 2020. Conversely, monthly year-on-year retail sales at supermarkets continue to be stronger on greater demand for at-home cooking during the pandemic. In 2020, total supermarket sales were up for the first time in five years.

Japan: COVID-19 Impacts on Food Distribution in Japan - Update IV