Calbee Chips Packaging Changes to Black and White Amid Iran War Impacts

Japanese snack giant Calbee announced it will temporarily change some potato chip packaging to black and white due to supply chain instability caused by the Iran War.

Wed May 13 2026

Calbee Chips Packaging Turns Black and White

Calbee, a major Japanese confectionery company, announced on the 12th that it would temporarily change its potato chip packaging to black and white. This decision stems from the unstable procurement of raw materials due to the Iran War, meaning colorful packaging will disappear from stores nationwide for the foreseeable future. Calbee explained that the measure prioritizes stable product supply in response to the tightening situation in the Middle East and subsequent instability in procuring some raw materials.

Middle East Conflict and Global Supply Chain Impact

The packaging change will affect 14 products, starting from May 25, with no impact on product quality. Calbee did not specify which raw material shortages led to the packaging change. However, the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat stated that it has not received reports of immediate supply problems for printing ink or naphtha and believes sufficient quantities are secured nationwide.

The Iran attack launched by the United States and Israel in late February has caused the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, forcing companies worldwide to grapple with supply chain disruptions. The effects are already manifesting in various ways, including fertilizer shortages for farmers across Asia and India's inability to export rice to Middle Eastern markets.

*Source: CNN.co.jp (2026-05-13)*

Tags: #Calbee #Iran War #Supply Chain #Japan #Consumer Goods