KOHYO CO., LTD. is a leading Japanese trading company specializing in the import and export of marine, agricultural, and food-related products. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, with branch offices in Tokyo, KOHYO has built a reputation over seven decades as a trusted partner in Japan’s food distribution and global trade sectors. The company is part of the wider KOHYO Holdings Group and is known for its strong procurement networks, export capabilities, and vertically integrated approach to the global food supply chain.
Core Business Activities
KOHYO CO., LTD. operates as a comprehensive food trading company engaged in the sourcing, processing, and distribution of food and related products. The company’s core business segments include:
- Marine Products: Export of fresh and frozen seafood including tuna, mackerel, squid, octopus, and processed fish products.
- Agricultural and Livestock Products: Export of Japanese fruits and vegetables, as well as meats including Wagyu beef and poultry.
- Processed Foods: A diverse portfolio ranging from frozen ready meals, canned goods, and traditional Japanese food items.
- Beverages and Sundry Products: Includes Japanese alcoholic beverages like sake, shochu, and also feed and fertilizer products for international partners.
These product categories are distributed across Asia, North America, and parts of Europe, with a special emphasis on halal-certified, premium, and niche Japanese food items.
Unique Strengths and Specialization
- Established Procurement Network: KOHYO leverages long-standing relationships with local fisheries, farms, and food processors across Japan to ensure consistent supply and quality.
- Multilingual Export Services: The company’s export division supports transactions in Japanese, English, Chinese, and other regional languages to facilitate global trade.
- Halal & Organic Food Expertise: Active in the growing halal and health-conscious markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- Cold Chain & Distribution Infrastructure: Owns and operates logistics facilities to maintain product integrity from source to international destination.
Financial and Operational Strength
While specific financials of KOHYO CO., LTD. are not publicly disclosed, the company has been documented to manage multi-million dollar trade volumes annually. According to industry estimates and trade records:
- The company handles over 800 product SKUs across various food categories.
- Annual trade volume is estimated to exceed JPY 5 billion (approx. USD 32 million) based on cumulative exports and procurement volumes (source: trade estimates from Japanese Export Association).
International Trade and Shipments
Utilizing data from export platforms and customs intelligence:
- KOHYO CO., LTD. has exported to over 20 countries including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, UAE, Germany, and the USA.
- The company recorded over 300 international shipments annually of marine and agricultural goods in 2022.
- Notable products in demand include Japanese Wagyu beef, frozen squid, and premium seasonal fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes and Japanese persimmons.
- The company participates in international food expos such as THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, SIAL Paris, and Foodex Japan to build export pipelines.
Target Market
KOHYO CO., LTD. targets a broad spectrum of global buyers:
- Food importers and wholesalers seeking reliable Japanese supply chains.
- Retailers and department stores in Asia and Europe interested in high-quality Japanese grocery items.
- Restaurants and foodservice companies, especially Japanese cuisine specialists.
- E-commerce platforms looking to offer Japanese specialty products to health-conscious and gourmet food consumers.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Cold Chain Management: Temperature-controlled warehousing and shipping capabilities ensuring freshness across perishable items.
- Compliance Management: Expertise in country-specific food import regulations, documentation, and labeling standards.
- Private Label Manufacturing: Offers OEM and private label solutions for seafood and processed food categories.
Certifications and Compliance
- Certified under Japan’s HACCP food safety system for seafood and food processing.
- Participates in the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) program for organic and processed food exports.
- Partners with halal certification bodies for market-specific product access in Muslim-majority countries.
- Registered exporter under the JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and supported by METI.
Customer Testimonials
“KOHYO’s export quality is second to none. Their understanding of international standards and dedication to freshness makes them our go-to supplier for Japanese seafood.”
– Senior Procurement Manager, Singapore Food Distributor
“We partnered with KOHYO for our premium Japanese meat line in Dubai, and our customers love it. Their logistics are seamless.”
– CEO, UAE Food Retail Chain
Major Achievements
- Recognized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) for excellence in food export promotion in 2021.
- Achieved record exports in 2022 with over 5,000 metric tons of marine products shipped globally.
- Developed a proprietary traceability system for key exports to meet EU and US import requirements.
- Established the KOHYO Export Group on Facebook to support real-time buyer engagement and product updates.
With its commitment to product integrity, international market development, and strategic industry collaborations, KOHYO CO., LTD. remains a benchmark in Japan’s global food trade ecosystem.
