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Food & Drink

Japan has high levels of consumption, with food and drink making up a significant proportion of this spending. The food and drink market is very sophisticated, and although Japanese traditional culinary culture remains a strong part of national identity, Japanese consumers enjoy a diverse range of food products now available at supermarkets, department stores, grocers and convenience stores. The Japanese value the country of origin and stories behind products, and attach significant importance to packaging and presentation.

Authentic products easily linked to Britain in consumers minds have been the most popular products in recent years – including black teas, whiskies, biscuits/shortbread and Scottish smoked salmon. The market for British beer, in particular, is growing with an increasing awareness of UK quality. Where an easy link to the UK is more difficult – such as olive oils or pasta sauces – market entry is more difficult. Each year the Department for International Trade lead a delegation of UK companies at Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, Foodex, alongside a number of awareness raising campaigns for distributors and consumers.

In August 2013, the British Embassy Tokyo launched a Japan-wide ‘Food is GREAT’ campaign.

Podcast
Podcast
11. The Story of an Iconic British Brand in Japan with Jim Walker
Jim Walker is co-managing director of Walker’s Shortbread Ltd, whose products are now a staple of souvenir shops up and down Japan. In this episode, Jim gives us some great …
News
News
‘Bounce back’ plan for UK food and drink
A new programme of physical and virtual events to help a variety of businesses and exporters in the food and drink sector has been announced. The events include an overseas …
News
News
What you need to know about E-commerce in Japan
By Elizabeth Wormald Japan ranks fourth globally in eCommerce sales. So what does this mean for you? If you are looking to begin selling in Japan, eCommerce is an ideal …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Everything You Need To Know About Selling On Rakuten – Recorded Webinar
Watch this webinar where we uncover how to get your products in front of millions of consumers in Japan. Did you know that Rakuten is one of the biggest e-commerce marketplace in …
From the Archive
From the Archive
British Food and Drink Celebrated at Foodex Japan 2017
Watch our highlights from Foodex 2017, and find out how British food and drink companies are succeeding in Japan. The Alcoholic Beverage Market in Japan is Booming The popular annual …
From the Archive
From the Archive
British Food is Great at Foodex 2016
Find out about the British companies exhibiting at Foodex 2016 and see if you could be doing business in Japan.  Successful Showcase for UK Companies at Foodex Japan 2016 British …
From the Archive
From the Archive
GREAT British Food Market in Marunouchi 2016
British Food Finds Loyal Fans in Japan No less than twelve Japanese distributors of British food and drink products exhibited their range of merchandise at MaruCube in Marunouchi Building near …
From the Archive
From the Archive
FOODEX – Gateway to Japan and Asian Markets
FOODEX JAPAN is one of the biggest and most important international trade shows relating to the food and drink market in Asia. Watch our free webinar to learn why you …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Success is Brewing for Scottish Craft Beer Company BrewDog
“The BrewDog business model and attitude is based on always having something fresh and new on offer – we won’t ever lose our rebellious edge.” Neil Taylor – BrewDog Head …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Exporting Food to Japan: Recorded Webinar
Watch this webinar to find out everything you need to know about exporting your food and drink products to Japan.  Exporting Food and Drink to Japan Only a small percentage …
From the Archive
From the Archive
GREAT Week Japan 2014
Watch the video to find out the benefits of attending a GREAT Week Japan trade mission from the delegates themselves.  The GREAT Week trade mission briefing took place at the …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Five Trends In Japan That Matter To You
The UK Trade & Investment team in Japan has pulled together the five trends that matter right now to businesses in Japan. Published June 2013. Photo Credit: boskizzi via Compfight cc
From the Archive
From the Archive
Foodex Japan: Your Gateway To The Market
Japanese companies and consumers are impressed by the quality and taste of British products displayed by more than 30 British companies at Japan’s most important annual food and drink expo. …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Trade Mission Insight – A GREAT Week in Japan
Joining a Trade Mission is a big commitment, you invest time and money to explore a new market which may or may not result in business opportunities. Increasingly British companies …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Japanese Consumer Behaviour: Recorded Webinar
Is your product or service right for the Japanese market? Understanding the Japanese consumer is your first step to establishing whether your company could be successful in Japan. Consumer Behaviour …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Webinar: Japanese Food & Drink Market
This webinar provides a detailed look at the Japanese Food & Drink Market with tips for UK companies to help you understand your business potential. Discover the exciting and diverse …
From the Archive
From the Archive
Whisky Firm Brings UK Spirit to Japan
“We are really excited, and the support of UKTI has been excellent.” Colin Sinclair, Whisky Tasting Company A specialist in premium whisky gift sets, the Whisky Tasting Company has unique …

Expert Advice

Kae Miyazawa
Head of Consumer and Retail
Kae Miyazawa and her experienced team at the Department for International Trade lead on business opportunities in the consumer goods, creative industries, food & drink and fashion sectors in Japan.

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Founding Partners

Department for International Trade British Airways BCCJ Business Link Japan

The Founding Partners support our not-for-profit's mission to support companies as they develop their business in Japan.

Contact and Support

European Office:
Corby Enterprise Centre, Suite 34,
London Road, Corby,
NN17 5EU,
United Kingdom

Japan Office:
Landwork Aoyama Building 28,
2-7-26 Kita Aoyama,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 107-0061
Japan

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