Fujimi announced that, in response to stricter local-product standards for the hometown tax donation program, it would suspend the handling of approximately 60% of the vegetable and fruit juices manufactured at Kagome's Fujimi Plant in the town from 1 October.
Fujimi, Nagano Prefecture, announced plans to suspend the handling of products equivalent to 60% of the popular vegetable and fruit juices manufactured at Kagome's Fujimi Plant in the town, as the town tightens its standards for hometown-tax return gifts from 1 October.
The products subject to the suspension are Kagome juices. According to the town's estimates, total donations in fiscal 2025 amounted to ¥490 million, of which the company's products accounted for 70%. A town official said the impact would be substantial, and that the town was working on its response.
The stricter standards reflect a review of the quality criteria for local products. Fujimi has specified the date on which the standards will take effect and the products subject to suspension. The response going forward and information on alternative products are expected to affect local residents and donors.
This article reports on Fujimi's announcement, and the facts are based on information released by the town and media reports.