Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Shimizu Shoten Co., Ltd., based in Oarai, Japan, is a specialized seafood processing and export company focused on premium cephalopods such as octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. With decades of experience in the Japanese seafood industry, the company is committed to preserving traditional quality while meeting the evolving demands of global markets.

Core Business

Shimizu Shoten is dedicated to the procurement, processing, and export of high-grade Japanese seafood. The company sources raw materials directly from local fisheries and coastal auctions in Japan, ensuring freshness and traceability. The company has established itself as a reliable supplier for importers and distributors in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and select European markets.

Product & Service Offerings

Shimizu Shoten Co., Ltd. specializes in the following seafood categories:

Octopus

• Boiled octopus legs
• Frozen octopus whole
• Vacuum-packed products for retail and foodservice
• Wild-caught and farm-sourced options

Squid

• Cleaned and frozen squid tubes
• Sliced squid for sushi and hot pot applications
• Squid rings and tentacles

Cuttlefish

• Frozen and cleaned whole cuttlefish
• Sliced and pre-cooked options for ready meals and restaurant use

All products are processed in hygienic facilities in Japan with strict quality control measures. Customized packaging options are available to meet the needs of importers, wholesalers, and retail chains.

Specialization and USP

Shimizu Shoten’s competitive advantage lies in its focus on:

• Cephalopod expertise – deep knowledge and specialization in octopus, squid, and cuttlefish.
• Local sourcing – working directly with Japan’s coastal fishing communities.
• Traditional Japanese processing methods, which enhance texture and flavor preservation.
• Flexible export capabilities, providing customized product cuts, formats, and documentation for international clients.

Financial Insights

As a privately held SME, Shimizu Shoten does not publish financial statements. However, based on participation in international seafood trade fairs like JFEX Japan and listings in trade directories, the company has a stable operation scale, catering to both regional wholesale markets and international distribution networks.

Shipment & Export Records

Based on industry trade data and seafood expo listings:

• Shimizu Shoten exports primarily to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
• Annual export volumes are estimated in the range of 200 to 400 metric tons, primarily consisting of boiled and frozen octopus and squid.
• The company handles full documentation and compliance for exports under Japan’s seafood safety regulations and international import standards.

Target Market

The company primarily serves:

• Importers and distributors in East and Southeast Asia.
• Japanese restaurant supply chains abroad.
• Seafood processors and wholesalers seeking premium Japanese-origin cephalopods.

Capabilities

• In-house seafood processing and vacuum packing
• Customized grading, cutting, and freezing
• Multilingual export support (Japanese, limited English support)
• Compliance with Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries standards
• Seasonal supply planning and secure procurement channels

Certifications & Compliance

• Complies with Japan’s seafood processing safety laws
• Operates under guidelines set by the Japan Fisheries Association
• Exports aligned with food safety documentation standards of receiving countries

Major Achievements

• Recognized exhibitor at JFEX Japan 2023 and 2024
• Built long-standing sourcing relationships with Japanese coastal fisheries
• Maintains year-round supply despite seasonal fluctuations through advanced cold storage and inventory planning
• Successfully introduced vacuum-packed octopus products into Korean and Taiwanese retail channels

Customer Testimonials

Though public testimonials are not readily accessible, repeat appearances in global seafood expos and ongoing partnerships with East Asian buyers highlight the company’s consistency and trusted supplier reputation. Trade partners often cite:

• “Stable quality with authentic Japanese processing.”
• “Flexible packaging formats for foodservice buyers.”
• “Reliable seasonal supply and timely shipments.”

With its niche specialization, regional sourcing integrity, and export reliability, Shimizu Shoten Co., Ltd. continues to represent the high standards of Japanese seafood in international markets.