"What to Do About Our Signature Gold Leaf?"... Japanese Ice Cream Shop Faces Dilemma as Price Triples

Kumamoto's Famous Gold Leaf Ice Cream Unavoidably Impacted
Gold Leaf Prices Nearly Triple Compared to Five Years Ago

Recently, as gold prices have surged worldwide, a dessert shop in Japan has reportedly found itself facing an unexpected dilemma.

On October 7, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting reported that the production cost of soft serve ice cream at "Ochano Izumien," a dessert shop located near Kumamoto Castle in Japan, has risen significantly due to the recent spike in gold prices.

Ochano Izumien is a well-known dessert destination in the Kumamoto region, offering gelato, lattes, and shaved ice made with green tea and matcha. The "gold leaf soft serve ice cream" has become the shop's signature item and is referred to by tourists as "ice cream to enjoy with your eyes."

The signature menu item, "Kumamoto Castle Gold Leaf Soft Serve," is made by placing a thin sheet of gold leaf over matcha ice cream. While gold leaf is praised for its visual appeal and is said to have little effect on the actual taste, it has gained popularity among tourists as an ice cream that serves as a local souvenir.

The signature menu item of Ochano Izumien, the gold leaf soft serve ice cream. Screenshot from Ochano Izumien Instagram

According to the shop, the gold leaf used is edible gold with a gold content of over 90%, and it now accounts for more than 70% of the production cost for each ice cream. A representative stated, "When the wholesale price of gold rises, we are directly affected," adding, "New employees work with a sense of tension because even a small mistake during the gold leaf application process can result in significant cost loss."

The soaring price of gold has also impacted the retail price. The company explained, "Since this is a popular item among tourists, it has been difficult to raise the price easily, but last spring, gold prices soared so much that we had no choice but to increase the price by about 200 yen."

The representative added, "The price of gold leaf has nearly tripled compared to five years ago," and noted, "Suppliers are suggesting alternative materials or different presentation methods, but we want to maintain the current style as much as possible because our customers love it."

Meanwhile, other gold leaf ice cream specialty shops in Japan are reportedly facing similar difficulties. Some dessert shops in gold leaf production regions such as Kanazawa and Kyoto have also voiced concerns, stating, "If the upward trend in gold prices continues, price adjustments will be inevitable."