Calbee

Calbee, a prominent Japanese snack maker renowned for its brightly colored packaging, is implementing a temporary change to black and white designs for 14 of its popular products, including crisps and prawn crackers. This shift, set to appear in Japanese stores from May 25th, is a direct response to disruptions in the supply of naphtha, a crucial crude-oil derivative used in printing inks. The shortage is attributed to geopolitical events, specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing Iran war, which have impacted the availability of this key ingredient. As one of Japan's favorite snack brands, Calbee's decision highlights the broader impact of global supply chain issues on everyday consumer goods, forcing even well-established companies to adapt their branding and production processes in response to international crises.