Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Syuka-en Co., Ltd. is a premium grape grower and fresh fruit retailer based in Tōmi City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Renowned for its cultivation of high-end grape varieties such as Shine Muscat and Nagano Purple, the company has established itself as a pioneer in luxury fruit production, offering direct-to-consumer sales, artisanal processing, and export-grade quality fruit under strict agricultural and environmental standards.

Company Background

Founded and managed by President Watanabe Takanobu, Syuka-en has become one of Nagano’s best-known boutique grape farms. Drawing from the region’s fertile volcanic soil, clean mountain water, and distinct seasonal variations, the company specializes in growing grapes with high sugar content, balanced acidity, and impeccable visual presentation—attributes that define premium Japanese fruit culture.

Located in eastern Nagano, Tōmi City provides optimal climate conditions for grape production, with cold winters and dry, sunny summers. The company’s attention to craftsmanship, hand-harvesting, and varietal purity has earned it recognition in both domestic and select export markets.

Core Business

Syuka-en's primary focus is on:

• Cultivation and direct sale of premium Japanese grapes
• Online e-commerce retail through its proprietary website
• Development of artisanal grape-based products like juices and semi-dried grapes
• Participation in food fairs and regional branding events across Japan

The company has steadily expanded into value-added fruit products to meet increasing demand for shelf-stable luxury goods that still reflect Japan's reputation for fruit excellence.

Product and Service Offerings

Fresh Table Grapes

• Shine Muscat: Large, seedless, high-sugar green grapes with edible skin and crisp texture.
• Nagano Purple: Seedless black grapes with rich flavor, unique to Nagano Prefecture.
• Kyoho: Large black grapes known for juiciness and aromatic profile.
• Queen Rouge®: Rare, red-colored high-end variety with protected branding.

These grapes are hand-selected and sold in beautifully packaged gift sets during peak season (August to October), adhering to strict size, shape, and sweetness criteria.

Artisanal Grape Products

• Semi-Dried Kyoho on the Vine:

  • Carefully dehydrated Kyoho grapes, retaining the stem structure.
  • Served as a delicacy or dessert accompaniment.

• Grape Juices:

  • Early-Harvest Kyoho Juice: Light-bodied and tart, suitable for pairings.
  • Fully-Ripened Kyoho Juice: Rich, sweet, and unfiltered for gourmet use.

All products are available in limited batches via the official online store and select specialty food retailers across Japan.

Specialization and Core USP

Syuka-en’s key strength lies in its precision viticulture and luxury branding, catering to the Japanese tradition of premium fruit gifting. Their USPs include:

• Cultivar expertise in niche, protected grape varieties
• Seasonal limited availability promoting exclusivity
• Visual perfection: each bunch hand-trimmed and aesthetically graded
• Minimal chemical input, aligned with sustainable farming practices
• Artisanal processing of juices and semi-dried grapes, adding shelf life and premium value

Their commitment to manual harvesting and presentation elevates their products into the high-gifting category often reserved for ceremonial or celebratory occasions.

Financial Overview

As a boutique agricultural enterprise, Syuka-en operates on a high-margin, low-volume model:

• Annual production estimated at 5–10 tons of premium grapes
• Retail pricing per bunch of Shine Muscat: ¥4,000–¥8,000 (USD $25–$55)
• Juice products priced at ¥1,800–¥3,000 per bottle
• Seasonal e-commerce sales peak in August–October, with pre-orders accounting for more than 60% of annual sales

Revenue is largely derived from direct-to-consumer sales and regional wholesale gifting channels, supplemented by limited B2B exports.

Shipment Data and Trade Records

According to export and customs data:

• Syuka-en has engaged in small-batch exports to Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong
• Participation in regional agri-food promotion campaigns under Nagano Prefecture branding
• Adheres to Japan’s export phytosanitary protocols, including high-standard packaging and cold chain compliance

Their grape products are typically hand-carried or shipped as luxury consignments rather than in bulk formats.

Target Market

Syuka-en serves a specialized market segment:

• Premium domestic consumers shopping for luxury fruit
• Corporate clients purchasing seasonal gifts
• Japanese expatriates and Japanese culture enthusiasts overseas
• High-end restaurants and confectionery producers sourcing niche grapes and juices

Their typical customers value visual presentation, traceability, and flavor depth over mass-market availability.

Capabilities

• 100% estate-grown production, ensuring full control of quality and traceability
• Online storefront with nationwide shipping, including cold chain delivery
• Custom gift set assembly, tailored to holidays, festivals, and events
• Hands-on viticulture and pruning systems that enhance flavor concentration
• Processing facility for juicing and drying, enabling diversification and extended shelf life

Certifications and Compliance

• Compliant with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) standards
• Registered as a 6th Industry Enterprise, indicating value-added processing beyond primary agriculture
• Participates in Nagano-brand agricultural promotion programs
• Follows eco-conscious cultivation protocols, though not formally organic-certified

Customer Testimonials

“The Shine Muscat from Syuka-en was the highlight of our Oseibo (year-end gift). Sweet, fragrant, and presented beautifully—it’s a true luxury.”
— Tokyo-based Corporate Client

“We used their semi-dried Kyoho for a special pastry pairing. The balance of acidity and sweetness is superb, unlike anything available in the market.”
— Executive Chef, Michelin-Star Restaurant, Kyoto

Major Achievements

• Recognized in MAFF’s Value-Added Agricultural Showcase
• Featured at Nagano Prefecture fruit promotion events in Tokyo and Osaka
• One of the few farms offering Queen Rouge® grapes, a protected and limited variety
• Developed proprietary methods for on-stem drying of Kyoho grapes
• Built a premium brand identity despite small production volumes through exceptional quality and visual branding

Syuka-en Co., Ltd. exemplifies the Japanese philosophy of fruit cultivation as an art form. Through precision farming, hand-selected harvesting, and dedication to purity, the company delivers some of the finest grapes in Japan—crafted not just for consumption, but for experience.