A large-scale exhibition that aims to expand exports of Japanese foods begins Chiba November 27 18:37

A large-scale exhibition aimed at expanding exports of Japanese foods and ingredients began in Chiba City on the 27th, and about 700 companies sold their products to buyers from overseas.

About 700 Japanese companies participated in the exhibition, which was 10% higher than last year, and held business talks with buyers in more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

The most popular was alcoholic beverages such as Japanese sake and shochu, which are increasing in export due to the Japanese food boom, and more than 100 companies from all over the country set up booths for tasting.

For Japanese companies, the fact that large-scale economic partnership agreements came into effect one after another has been a tailwind for exports. Tariffs on fishery products have also been reduced by the TPP = Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and the EU = Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. In particular, yellowtail has been sold enthusiastically by fisheries companies in Ehime Prefecture, as overseas demand is growing as a sushi item following tuna and salmon.

Buyers from Thailand said, “There are more Japanese restaurants in Thailand, and Japanese food is very popular, so I want to have a good business talk.” “The US market is large, so there is still the possibility of Japanese products coming in.”

The exhibition will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City until 29th, with approximately 4,000 foreign buyers expected to visit.

Investigating foreigners' preferences Some companies develop their own products

At the exhibition hall, there was a noticeable figure of companies developing their own products for overseas markets by investigating the preferences and demands of foreigners to increase exports.

A tea company in Shizuoka Prefecture has developed a new product that blends cinnamon, cacao, ginger, etc. with matcha tea. Based on the experience of selling products blended with green tea and herbs for over 20 years, we researched the ratio of blends and developed it over a year so that the flavor of more delicate matcha is not impaired. Adding aroma to Matcha makes it easier for foreigners to drink, and it has a good reputation in the health-conscious Western market.

Kanesu tea president Yukiya Komatsu said, “It was developed after researching overseas demand and“ reception ”. We cannot win at the price, so we would like to make use of our strengths to compete.”

Tokyo food manufacturers have also developed a pork bone-style soup that does not use any meat or dairy products. Developed in response to the increasing popularity of pork bone ramen as foreign tourists come to Japan, it can cope with vegetarians called vegetarians and vegans, and the regulations on additives are strict in Europe and America Can also be exported. While the materials that can be used are limited, a shelf life of one year has been secured so that the flavor of pork bone can be achieved and it can withstand long-term transportation.

Daisha Shohei Yasuda said, “As the domestic market is getting smaller, we want to develop products that meet overseas demand and find new customers.”

The government's export target is difficult to achieve

The export value of agriculture, forestry and fishery products and food from January to September was 664.5 billion yen, a 1.6% increase from the same period last year.

The government has set a goal to increase the amount of exports to 1 trillion yen, but this is a difficult situation because it requires more than 30% growth in the remaining three months.

One of the reasons why exports are sluggish is the international situation.

In Hong Kong, which has the largest export value from Japan, the export value in August and September decreased by more than 10% compared to the same month last year. This seems to be due to the fact that the number of tourists from China has decreased due to intense protests in Hong Kong, and exports such as sea cucumbers and scallops from Japan have decreased.

Exports to Korea from January to September have decreased by more than 12% compared to the same period last year, the largest decrease among major countries. In particular, exports in August were 36% and 56% in September, respectively, and the amount of exports has decreased compared to last year.

Economic partnership agreements with TPP and the EU came into effect one after another, and tariffs on exports fell, while the relaxation and elimination of import restrictions continued by China and South Korea after the nuclear accident caused further expansion of exports from Japan It is a challenge for.