Fukui Food Export Support Center is a specialized initiative launched by the Fukui Prefectural Government in Japan, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness and international presence of food producers based in Fukui Prefecture. Operated through the Prefecture’s Commerce and Industry Division, the center acts as a strategic support entity connecting local food businesses with overseas buyers, distributors, and market development resources.
Mission and Organizational Scope
The core mission of the Fukui Food Export Support Center is to strengthen the export capabilities of regional food manufacturers and agricultural cooperatives through a comprehensive set of support services. These services include:
- Export strategy formulation and consultation
- International business matching events
- Participation coordination in global trade exhibitions
- Market trend analysis and overseas demand forecasting
- Logistical planning and export documentation support
- Language and cross-cultural training for exporters
The center also functions as a bridge between Japanese government export policies and on-the-ground implementation by Fukui-based SMEs.
Key Services Offered
1. Business Matching & Trade Fair Support
- Organizes delegation participation in events such as Foodex Japan, SIAL, Gulfood, and Anuga
- Facilitates 1-on-1 online meetings between Fukui producers and overseas buyers
- Promotes products like Fukui rice, miso, sake, plum wine, seafood, and traditional confectionery
2. Export Readiness Consultation
- Provides tailored consulting on tariff codes, labeling, certification, and shelf-life optimization
- Collaborates with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and local chambers of commerce
3. Training and Capacity Building
- Offers export compliance workshops for SMEs
- Conducts training on foreign market entry strategies and food certification systems (e.g., Halal, FDA, EU standards)
4. Market Intelligence and Localization
- Conducts market feasibility studies on Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe
- Gathers and shares insights on consumer trends, competitive landscape, and buyer preferences
Operational Highlights
- The center supports over 150 food and beverage companies across Fukui Prefecture
- It has organized participation in 20+ international trade fairs and business matching events over the last 5 years
- More than 300 buyer-supplier connections have been facilitated between Fukui firms and global importers
- Focus regions include ASEAN (Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore), Europe (France, Germany), and North America (USA, Canada)
Key Product Categories Supported
- Japanese Sake and Plum Wine from local breweries
- Premium Koshihikari Rice from Fukui plains
- Frozen and Processed Seafood including crab, mackerel, and wakame seaweed
- Miso and Soy Sauce fermented products from traditional workshops
- Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) with region-specific branding
These products are promoted under various co-branding campaigns highlighting “Made in Fukui” authenticity and regional provenance.
Stakeholders and Collaborations
The center partners with:
- JETRO for overseas trade missions
- Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for subsidies and export grants
- Fukui Agricultural Cooperatives, local breweries, and artisan groups
- International importers, distributors, and hotel/restaurant chains
It also coordinates with municipal governments within Fukui Prefecture to identify and nurture export-ready enterprises.
Digital Support and Communication
- Centralized support offered via Fukui Prefecture’s official website: https://www.pref.fukui.lg.jp
- Contact for inquiries: ryutsu@pref.fukui.lg.jp
- Dedicated support staff for English-language coordination with international stakeholders
Recognitions and Achievements
- Recognized by the Japanese Government Export Expansion Platform as a regional export accelerator
- Successfully aided Fukui products in entering major Japanese food sections in EU and ASEAN supermarkets
- Case studies cited in MAFF’s national export promotion whitepapers
Summary
The Fukui Food Export Support Center plays a vital role in transforming Fukui’s local food businesses into global players by offering strategic, logistical, and promotional support. With a data-driven approach and government backing, it has become a model for regional food export initiatives in Japan, enabling Fukui’s unique food culture and high-quality products to reach dining tables around the world.
