It’s not quite a sugar rush, but a plan to raise ice cream prices in Japan is boosting hopes for investors in food company stocks, and may satisfy the cravings of government officials. Lotte Holdings Co. announced this week it will increase the prices of more than half of its ice cream products. That was followed by seasoning maker and food company Ajinomoto Co.’s plans Thursday to raise prices on its frozen-food products. The news bolstered shares of Japanese dairy and snack purveyors on speculation other companies will follow suit. Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Meiji Holdings Co., and Megmilk Snow Brand Co. all rose ... (full story)