Photo/Illutration

Products that protect against infections in the COVID-19 pandemic occupied the top five spots in terms of sales increases in Japan this year, according to a survey.

In fact, the only non-pandemic item in the top 10 were sweets included with the products of toymakers, according to the survey by marketing company Intage Inc.

The company on Dec. 7 released its rankings of the fastest-moving consumer goods in terms of year-on-year sales increases between January and October. Intage estimated the increases from sales data collected from 4,000 businesses across Japan, including supermarkets and convenience stores.

Facial masks led the rankings, with a year-on-year sales increase of 425 percent.

“In March, shortages of facial masks were severe, resulting in a year-on-year sales decrease, but people got used to wearing them, and sales rose even in summer when they normally do not sell well,” Intage market analyst Toshimitsu Kiji said.

Disinfectant was ranked second, followed by thermometers and mouthwash. Wet tissues rounded out the top five.

A non-contact type of thermometer was popular. “It was used more in companies and shops, and more manufacturers started to produce it,” Kiji said.

In sixth place were sweets included with small toys and cards sold by toymakers. Products related to the hugely popular manga “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” whose movie was released in October, lifted sales in this category.

Another anti-contamination product, soap, took the seventh spot.

The remaining three products in the top 10 reflected the fact that more people have refrained from going out during the pandemic and are exercising at home and making food that is easy to cook and store.

Protein powder ranked eighth, followed by frozen seafood and prepared mixes for pancakes, cookies and other foods.

Last year, a “dessert drink” took the top spot due to the tapioca boom. In 2018, canned mackerel was the hottest item.

Related News