JETRO Osaka food-export matching event: 138 firms, 16 trading houses, 256 meetings
On October 7-8, JETRO held a matching event in Osaka between agri-food producers and domestic export trading companies. 138 businesses and 16 trading firms took part, holding 256 pre-arranged meetings. Many first-time exporters attended, and JETRO shares examples of how the talks went.
Key points
- Held in Osaka on October 7-8: 138 businesses, 16 export trading firms, 256 meetings
- Supported by the 'Support Program for 10,000 Japanese Food Exporters' launched in fiscal 2026, so some first-time exporters joined
- Example: for a yuzu liqueur, a trading firm suggested trying mini bottles and bilingual posters with restaurants in Japan first, then refining before going abroad
Background
JETRO says the event worked as business matching and also as a practical place for beginners to learn overseas demand and export procedures.
Other cases: a frozen aojiru (green juice) maker had buyers taste it to explain the difference from powder and discussed naming for overseas buyers; a gluten-free frozen macaron sold in about 120 vending machines in Japan, with a one-year frozen shelf life, was discussed with a buyer strong in Hong Kong vending channels.
What it means for shops
For small food makers and producers who find it hard to locate overseas buyers alone, it shows a route: test sales through an export trading company. Letting buyers taste the product and thinking about local naming were emphasized in the talks.
What shops should do
- Check JETRO's website for food-sector matching events and the 10,000-exporter support program
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.