UAE Asian grocer QKO Asian Market certified as Japanese Food Supporter Store
On October 5, JETRO presented a certificate to QKO Asian Market, an Asian food retailer in the UAE, as a newly certified Japanese Food Supporter Store for fiscal 2026. The company plans to widen its range of Japanese sweets and snacks. The report expects Japanese food to spread among families looking for halal-friendly Asian products.
Key points
- QKO Asian Market was founded in Dubai in 2015 and runs three stores (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah) plus an online store, with 35 employees
- Among Japanese items, Yukimi Daifuku and Calbee snacks are especially popular; it also sells matcha, coffee drinks and dried noodles
- Founder and CEO Gina Park said the certification will help it expand its Japanese range and strengthen ties with Japanese suppliers
Background
The Japanese Food Supporter Store scheme certifies restaurants and retailers outside Japan that use or sell Japanese ingredients and alcohol. QKO's concept is 'halal-friendly Asian food', and it handles food and drinks from Japan, Korea, Thailand and other countries. Its main customers are Arab and Muslim families, along with Asian residents and tourists.
What it means for shops
For Japanese food and drink makers, retailers in the Middle East are a candidate new sales channel. That sweets and snacks are the best sellers is a useful hint for firms with small-lot products that are easy to trial. Some foods need religious considerations for this market, so checking ingredient labels and certification is essential.
What shops should do
- Check whether your products suit the Middle East, including whether halal compliance is needed and what the ingredients are
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.