Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Masao Kobayashi Shoten Co., Ltd., based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, is a specialized seafood trading and processing company known for delivering premium Hokkaido seafood to markets across the globe. With deep ties to local fisheries and decades of expertise in seafood processing, the company stands as a dependable partner for high-quality frozen and processed marine products.

Core Business

The core focus of Masao Kobayashi Shoten lies in the procurement, processing, freezing, and export of Hokkaido’s iconic seafood. The company deals extensively in raw, boiled, and processed formats of shellfish and finfish, with an emphasis on preserving freshness, taste, and traceability.

Product and Service Offerings

Masao Kobayashi Shoten's products are rooted in the rich marine biodiversity of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture:

• Frozen Seafood

  • Frozen Scallops (Raw and Boiled)
  • Frozen Salmon Roe (Ikura)
  • Frozen Pacific Saury
  • Frozen Boiled Octopus Legs
  • Frozen Boiled Hair Crab (Kegani)
  • Frozen Herring Roe

• Processed Seafood

  • Dried Atka Mackerel
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Marinated Mackerel and Saury
  • Salted Cod Roe

• Specialty Seafood

  • Kazunoko (Herring Roe)
  • Sea Urchin Roe (uni, seasonally available)
  • Mixed seafood packs for hot pots and sushi toppings

Products are made available in bulk pack, retail-ready packaging, and private label options, suited for a variety of international importers and retailers.

Specialization and Core USP

What sets Masao Kobayashi Shoten apart is its deep regional integration with Hokkaido’s fisheries, giving it first-access to top-grade catches. The company emphasizes:

• Immediate processing after catch to retain maximum freshness
• Vacuum-sealed IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) systems to ensure quality during transit
• Customizable seafood processing (boiling, salting, seasoning) to match buyer specifications

Its positioning as a sourcing expert for high-end Japanese seafood delicacies gives it competitive advantage, especially for export partners looking for authenticity.

Financials

While private and not required to disclose audited financials, industry benchmarks and customs export filings suggest:

• Estimated annual revenue: ¥1.5–2.1 billion JPY (~$10–14 million USD)
• Export accounts for 65–75% of sales volume
• Strong peak season performance during Hokkaido winter seafood harvest (November to February)

International Shipments and Export Records

Based on aggregated shipping data from platforms like Volza and ImportYeti:

• 1,200+ verified international shipments between 2018–2024
• Core markets: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, and the USA
• Top exported SKUs: Frozen Scallops, Ikura (salmon roe), Boiled Hair Crab
• Products commonly exported in 20kg+ IQF bulk cartons and retail-ready vacuum packs

Clients include seafood importers supplying Japanese restaurants, sushi chains, high-end supermarkets, and HORECA distributors.

Target Market

• Japanese food distributors and wholesalers
• High-end seafood importers
• Sushi restaurants and izakayas abroad
• Ethnic grocery chains
• Retailers with chilled or frozen seafood sections

Capabilities

• Temperature-controlled storage and processing facilities in Hokkaido
• Capacity to perform custom cuts, seasoning, and boil levels for different countries’ consumption patterns
• Export documentation support for sanitary certificates, origin proof, and HACCP compliance
• Seasonal product adaptation based on harvest and demand trends

Certifications and Compliance

• HACCP-compliant facility for seafood safety assurance
• Registered with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
• Products meet standards for EU, FDA (USA), and Canada
• Documentation includes veterinary certificates, MSC labeling (on demand), and radiation testing reports

Customer Testimonials

"Their Hokkaido scallops and boiled crab have been consistent in both quality and flavor. Perfectly suited for our luxury sushi restaurants in Hong Kong."
— Head Chef, Japanese Fine Dining Group, Hong Kong

"We appreciate their responsiveness and packaging customization for our Canadian seafood retail brand. Their salmon roe is especially well-received during the holiday peak."
— Director of Procurement, Frozen Food Importer, Canada

Major Achievements

• Exporting seafood from Hokkaido for over 25 years
• Repeated exhibitor at Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo
• Trusted supplier to Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants abroad
• Integrated supply relationships with certified fisheries and cold storage hubs in Sapporo and Hakodate

Masao Kobayashi Shoten Co., Ltd. remains a vital exporter of Hokkaido’s prized seafood, combining traditional harvesting knowledge with modern processing and global compliance to meet the evolving demands of international markets.