Japan’s wholesale fruit and veg prices remain seasonally stable in early 2026

Japan’s central wholesale markets recorded steady volumes and seasonally typical pricing for key fruit and vegetable categories in early January 2026, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

At Tokyo’s main wholesale market, daikon (Japanese radish) remained one of the most traded winter vegetables, with volumes exceeding 3,500 tonnes. Average wholesale prices were reported in the ¥80–90 per kg range (approximately US$0.55–0.62/kg), reflecting stable supply during peak winter production.

Cabbage and carrots, both staples in winter consumption, were traded at moderate levels. Cabbage prices generally stayed below seasonal averages, while carrots showed firmer pricing due to tighter supply in some producing regions. Gobo (burdock root) continued to command higher wholesale values, with prices significantly above common leafy vegetables, underlining ongoing supply constraints.

Leafy greens such as mizuna, along with lotus root (renkon), maintained balanced market conditions, with stable volumes and limited price volatility across major distribution hubs.

On the fruit side, mikan (Japanese mandarins) dominated domestic fruit transactions in January. In Tokyo and Yokohama, wholesale prices ranged between ¥269 and ¥311 per kg (around US$1.86–2.15/kg), depending on market and quality grade. Citrus volumes remained high, reflecting the seasonal peak and sustained consumer demand.

Regional market data showed consistent throughput. Sendai Central Wholesale Market handled close to 1,700 tonnes of vegetables, while Yokohama recorded similarly strong intake of winter produce, indicating smooth distribution flows despite seasonal logistics pressures.

MAFF notes that early-January pricing and volumes largely align with historical winter trends, characterised by strong root vegetable supply, stable citrus demand, and relatively contained price fluctuations across Japan’s major wholesale markets.

source: maff.go.jp

photo: japan-gastrotourism-and-trade.com