Royal Co., Ltd., located in the Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market, is a Japanese trading company specializing in the import, export, and wholesale of fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed food products. Since its establishment in 1969, Royal has built a strong reputation as a premium produce distributor in Japan, leveraging its location within one of the country’s most important produce markets to ensure freshness, quality, and responsiveness to evolving consumer trends.
Core Business
Royal’s primary business operations are centered around:
- Import and export of fresh produce including fruits and vegetables from Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe
- Domestic wholesale of high-quality seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Distribution of dried fruits and value-added produce items
- Partnerships with producers, exporters, and retailers worldwide
Operating from the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market, Royal combines traditional wholesale trade with modern supply chain logistics to meet the needs of both domestic and international buyers.
Product and Service Offerings
Royal offers a diverse range of perishable and semi-perishable goods tailored to both retail and foodservice markets:
Fresh Produce
- Fruits: Apples, grapes, citrus fruits, melons, bananas, avocados, berries
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, leafy greens, root vegetables
- Premium Japanese Produce: Domestic fruits including Shine Muscat grapes, Japanese strawberries, and specialty melons, often for high-end gift markets and export
Processed Items
- Dried Fruits: Imported from the U.S., Turkey, and Southeast Asia
- Cut Fruits and Ready-to-Eat: Packaged produce for convenience and hospitality sectors
Services
- Wholesale distribution to retailers and restaurants across Japan
- Import/export documentation handling and cold chain coordination
- Seasonal procurement planning and promotional alignment with Japanese festivals and consumer holidays
Specialization and USP
Royal differentiates itself through:
- Strategic location in Kyoto’s central produce hub, enabling access to both local farms and imported goods
- Established import/export channels with more than 10 countries across Asia-Pacific and North America
- Strong reputation for quality control and meticulous product selection
- Cultural alignment with Japan’s gift-giving and seasonal demand cycles, especially in premium fruit categories
- Responsive sourcing strategies: Adapts to seasonal constraints and consumer shifts quickly via market integration
Its focus on both domestic premium produce and international sourcing makes Royal a hybrid operator blending global reach with Japanese tradition.
Financials and Export Insights
While Royal Co., Ltd. does not publicly disclose financials, operational indicators and trade data show:
- Active Participation in Japanese Wholesale Markets: Serves a network of supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and retailers
- Export Destinations: Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand — primarily high-value Japanese fruits
- Import Sources: U.S. (citrus, grapes), New Zealand (kiwi), Philippines (bananas), Turkey (dried fruits), and Southeast Asia (tropical fruits)
- Volume Estimates: Several hundred tons annually across fresh categories, based on market participation
Royal is particularly active during Japan’s seasonal fruit peaks and in the export of Japan-grown luxury fruits.
Target Market
Royal serves both domestic and international clients, including:
- Japanese supermarkets and foodservice providers
- Gift distributors and online retailers specializing in premium fruits
- Asian regional importers looking for high-end Japanese produce
- Hotels, luxury restaurants, and department stores in Japan
Its domestic logistics allow Royal to cater efficiently to regional Japanese markets, while its exports address niche premium categories abroad.
Capabilities
- Cold storage and ripening facilities within Kyoto Market
- Import/export compliance expertise for perishable goods
- Multilingual sales coordination with international growers and suppliers
- Quick turnaround sourcing for seasonal and urgent orders
- Experienced procurement team with strong global relationships
The company combines Japanese quality expectations with the agility of an international trading house.
Certifications and Compliance
Royal operates under strict food safety and trade guidelines, including:
- Japanese Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) regulations for both imports and exports
- Wholesale Market hygiene certifications (Kyoto market standards)
- Compliance with Phytosanitary and Origin Certifications for international shipments
- Cold chain SOPs to preserve freshness and shelf-life during transport
These measures ensure Royal meets both Japanese domestic and international standards for food safety and quality.
Customer Testimonials
“Royal provides us with consistent, high-quality Shine Muscat and strawberries for our premium retail line. Their attention to detail and timing is excellent.”
— High-End Grocery Chain Buyer, Taiwan
“Their ability to source both imported tropical fruits and Japanese seasonal produce helps us maintain a dynamic and attractive fruit lineup.”
— Fruit Distributor, Osaka
Major Achievements
- Over 50 years of continuous operation in the Japanese fresh produce market
- Established export relationships for Japanese luxury fruits across East Asia
- Reputation as a trusted supplier in one of Japan’s most competitive wholesale environments
- Integrated traditional trade knowledge with modern logistics and market demand responsiveness
- Expanded product range to include dried fruits, processed items, and convenience-ready offerings
Royal Co., Ltd. remains a dynamic and culturally attuned fresh produce wholesaler and importer-exporter. With deep roots in the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market and extensive international reach, the company serves as a bridge between Japan’s storied fruit traditions and modern global produce demand.