The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has introduced new distribution guidelines in an effort to protect food manufacturers from retailer practices and prevent food product wastage.
A 'game-changing phenomenon' needs to take place before plant-based could become a strong trend in Japan, according to an industry expert pioneering meat alternatives in the country.
A multitude of media strategies are needed to maximise the impact of healthy eating messages in Japan, with particular concern raised about the quality of some of the information published online, say researchers.
This round-up features plant-based firm NEXT MEATS, food aid for the elderly, cultivated protein sector, Japanese style diet & sustainability goals and health hazards in functional foods.
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has launched a new public-private collaborative project focusing on food exports, aiming to boost progress towards the national JPY5tn (US$31.7bn) by 2030 target.
The Japanese government has clarified that the final responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of food packaging lies with food manufacturer producing the end-product that will reach consumers.
Tokyo-based NEXT MEATS’s latest innovation claims to offer several advantages over existing plant-based products, including improved taste and texture despite minimal use of ingredients, and being ambient storage-friendly.
Close to 90% of municipalities in Japan need to improve accessibility to food for elderly consumers amid the country’s shift to an ageing population, according to new government data.
Kirin wine brand Mercian is partnering with Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro to launch a series of premium products including Japanese wines with a globalised flavour profile to improve its worldwide reach.
Aiya’s endeavours in Middle East matcha market, US’s efforts to increase beef exports to Japan, Morinaga Milk and Meiji’s new FFC launches, and expansion of Japanese seafood export markets feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
Japanese firm DyDo DRINCO recently released functional beverages targeted at skin-conscious female consumers, as well as beverages fortified with magnesium and vitamin D, nutrients that the firm says is lacking in the Japanese diet.
The Japanese government is cracking down on counterfeit agri-food product exports protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) scheme with the use of digital monitoring technology.
Japan-headquartered Aiya is looking to seize growth opportunities in the Middle East, where the matcha market is still in its infancy and has significant room for expansion.
The US is hoping to see a resurgence in beef exports to Japan on the back of a post-pandemic increase in tourism and new retail opportunities, after reporting a 23% drop in 2023 to shipments valued at $1.8bn.
Morinaga Milk is slated to roll out several new Foods with Function Claims (FFCs) that target the major health concerns of Japanese consumers and to meet the increasing demand for multifunctional products.
Japanese officials and seafood exporters have joined forces to explore new overseas markets, with the sector still reeling from China’s import ban in the wake of the Fukushima wastewater release last year.
Asahi Super Dry’s “relatable packaging” and the firm’s restructuring strategy, Kirin’s price hikes and new export markets for its craft gin brand, and revision of standards for non-chilled milk products feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
The Japanese government has announced plans to implement more stringent standards for milk products that do not require chilling, meaning that exporters of these items will need additional certificates from the country of origin before being allowed into...
Ajinomoto and Meiji’s commitment to cut food waste, Kikkoman’s data-backed flavour pairing system to further penetrate the Indian market, Japan’s first anti-counterfeit facility and more feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
Major Japanese brands Ajinomoto and Meiji have highlighted how efficient inventory management will be key to reduce food waste throughout their supply chains, as part of their commitment to the national Food Loss Reduction Declaration.
The Japanese government’s initiatives to boost the domestic dairy sector and raise self-sufficiency rate, Suntory’s upcoming price hikes, Kirin’s beer and sugar-free product innovation plans, and the pandemic’s impact on seafood prices feature in this...
Japan has set up a physical anti-counterfeit consultation desk in Thailand to fight against a rising number of food and agriculture products claiming to be of Japanese origin.