With vegetable prices soaring due to the extreme summer heat, supermarket giants Daiei and Aeon launched massive veggie sales in most of their Kyushu outlets. Local markets have responded by slashing their prices by 25~50%. With seasonally low temperatures in late June followed by extreme heat in July, vegetable prices have increased. According to Daiei Kyushu, average veggie prices at the Fukuoka Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market for the period from April to June were 10~20% cheaper than last year, but July’s average prices have risen by 23% year-on-year. Aeon held sales at 49 of 51 stores through July 20, while Daiei held sales at 39 of 40 outlets through July 21. On the first day, Daiei was offering heads of broccoli and bunches of asparagus at prices ranging from ¥128 to ¥148, or ¥98 less than usual. Meanwhile, local Kitakyushu supermarket Hello Day said it was increasing reduced-price cabbage and lettuce while controlling cost the cost of green onions by selling bunches with fewer onions. Nishinippon Shimbun, July 19
