One of the 807 collapsed strawberry frill shortcakes from luxury store Takashimaya
A luxury department store in Japan has apologised for delivering 807 collapsed Christmas cakes.
Takashimaya said it had ‘betrayed the expectations of many’ after several customers complained that their strawberry frill shortcake had arrived damaged.
The retailer said it took full responsibility and, at a news conference, its managing director Kazuhisa Yokoyama bowed deeply in remorse, reported the BBC.
In a statement, Takashimaya said it contracted outside firms to make, freeze and deliver 2,700 of the cakes – which cost 5,400 yen (£29) each – but despite an investigation into what happened it was not yet clear why 807 had collapsed.
Strawberry shortcakes are popular in Japan, especially at Christmas. Their colours, red and white, are a traditional representation of celebration in the country.
A number of people people posted photos of their collapsed cakes on social media, with some showing what they’d done to try and cover up the damage.
Takashimaya apologised to its customers twice, once on Christmas Day and again today.
The luxury store said despite an investigation into the matter it was not clear why the cakes collapsed (Picture: Taidgh Barron/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
Mr Yokoyama said. ‘In future, we will strengthen our relationship with our business partners to improve our management system and prevent it happening again.’
Only 1% of Japan’s population is Christian but many celebrate Christmas. As well as exchanging gifts, they enjoy the more unusual tradition of eating KFC to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Nestlé apologised after a customer was dismayed to find not a single coconut eclair in his Quality Street selection.
The firm said there had been a shortage so some packs had been supplemented with extra versions of other varieties.
But coconut eclair fans can rest easy as stocks had now been replenished.
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The Japanese store said it had ‘betrayed the expectations of many’.