The second "JAPAN'S FOOD" EXPORT FAIR, an exclusive trade show for importers and international buyers to import Japanese food and beverage products, will be held from 10-12 October in Japan.
In 2016 Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries approached Reed Exhibitions Japan, the Largest Trade Show Organiser in Japan, for help with a trade show promoting the export of Japanese food products. Tad Ishizumi, President of Reed Exhibitions Japan, jumped at the opportunity.
“I was surprised by the proposal as it is the opposite of the current approach, which sees Japanese food suppliers exhibiting at international trade shows,” he said. “However, I was quickly convinced that it would be more effective to attract buyers from around the world to Japan.”
The first edition of “JAPAN’S FOOD” EXPORT FAIR saw 12,863 visitors from 71 countries and regions and 304 Japanese food manufacturers and exporters exhibiting agricultural products, meat, seafood, confectionery, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, seasonings, and processed food products. To ensure smooth negotiations with international buyers, all exhibitors were required to have English speaking staff as well as pamphlets and product information displays on-site. Exhibitors were also required to have meeting tables inside the booth to ensure buyers were able to conduct business on site.
The show is designed to enable international purchasing and importing, and the numbers don’t lie – according to a survey conducted after the exhibition, 18,000 business negotiations were held during the show period, which have produced JPY 13.1 billion in business transactions.
Last year saw a wealth of positive feedback from international buyers. “A USD 1 million order was made during the show and we’re looking forward to more Japanese food products next year,” said one, while another found “many products only available in Japan” and was very excited to import them. With this in mind, Ishizumi was once again convinced the huge global demand and the significant influence of the exhibition for Japan’s food in the world.
“JAPAN’S FOOD” EXPORT FAIR is looking to become the largest Japanese food exhibition in Asia.
In 2018, the show will double the exhibitor number to 600 exhibitors and attract 15,000 international visitors from 80 countries and regions. By 2021, it will aim to increase to 1,200 exhibitors along with 21,000 international visitors.
For those who are interested in importing Japanese food, the show is the best platform to visit. Visitor pre-registration is now available at www.jpfood.jp/en/inv/.
