MAFF picks 15 restaurant firms going abroad and 2 cities for inbound food tourism support
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has selected 15 restaurant companies expanding overseas and two local governments building food-focused inbound tourism as support recipients. MAFF staff recruited internally will work alongside them. The announcement shows that overseas restaurant expansion and food-centered regional branding are national priorities.
Key points
- Recipients are 15 restaurant operators (targeting Asia, North America, Europe and more) and two cities: Munakata in Fukuoka and Usuki in Oita
- Overseas support covers matching local firms with Japanese producers, gathering and coordinating regulatory information, and supporting trade missions
- For inbound growth, the team will brainstorm with local key people, offer the areas as candidate destinations for overseas dignitaries, and collect information on welcoming visitors
Background
To carry out the findings of its food culture industry working group, MAFF set up an overseas-expansion team for restaurants and an inbound team. It says overseas restaurant growth boosts Japanese food exports as well as the restaurant industry, and food-focused regional branding could expand inbound spending and jobs.
The release lists challenges such as the importance of specialist information and partners and stable sourcing of Japanese ingredients; earlier efforts include the SAVOR JAPAN program, now covering 45 regions.
What it means for shops
The selection is limited to a few companies and cities, but it shows the government putting people and information behind restaurant expansion abroad and regional food promotion. For restaurants considering overseas outlets or exports, and for producers supplying ingredients, it hints at where and how expansion is being supported.
What shops should do
- Organize the origins of your ingredients and the features of local dishes so you can explain them to overseas guests and partners
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.