Asahi Soft Drinks Co. has intimated that it is considering raising its prices due to the rising costs of raw materials, according to reports. Jiji Press quoted Asahi Soft Drinks' president Masaaki Okada as saying (18 March)that company is expecting a cost increase of around US$20.3m year-on-year for the current business year to December, due mainly to rising prices for raw materials. The news service added that Okada said that the company may be forced to raise its prices if it cannot absorb further increases in costs of packaging and materials. The decision will rest upon the company's examination of the benefits from the appreciating yen and trends in consumer spending. The news service added that Okada said that the company may be forced to raise its prices if it cannot absorb further increases in costs of packaging and materials.
