Overview: Food Japan 2024

Date & Venue:

Dates: October 24–26, 2024
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593

About:

Food Japan 2024 is the leading trade show in ASEAN dedicated to Japanese food, beverage, and technology. It acts as a bridge connecting Japanese producers with the fast-growing Southeast Asian market. The event showcases a mix of traditional Japanese food, culinary techniques, cutting-edge technology, and innovative products to a regional and international audience. This trade fair offers businesses opportunities for networking, product sampling, and exploring partnerships in the food industry.

Industry Segments:

Agricultural Products, Food and Beverage, Food Processing Machinery, Food Service Equipment, Packaging, Confectionery, Processed Food, Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Restaurant Equipment, Tableware, Kitchenware, Culinary Technology

Market Size & Overview of the Industry Segment:

The Japanese food industry has seen growing demand in Southeast Asia, with consumers increasingly seeking premium products, unique culinary experiences, and healthier food options. Japan’s agricultural export value hit a record high in recent years, with over ¥1 trillion (approx. USD 9.5 billion) in global exports, driven by demand for Japanese beverages, seafood, processed foods, and agricultural products. The ASEAN market, with its expanding middle class and growing tourism industry, presents huge potential for further growth in this sector.

Attendance & Participation:

Food Japan 2024 expects to host over 11,000 attendees and features 211 exhibitors from across the globe. The event caters to food industry professionals, including importers, exporters, wholesalers, and restaurateurs looking to source high-quality Japanese food and culinary technology.

Who Should Visit:

Visitors include:

Importers and exporters
Supermarket and grocery store buyers
Distributors and wholesalers
Hoteliers, restaurateurs, and food service providers
Retailers and specialty food stores
Manufacturers and suppliers in the food and beverage sector
Business owners interested in Japanese food products and services

Exhibitor Analysis: Food Japan 2024

Top 5 Major Exhibitors:

Kineya Co., Ltd.– Kineya Co., Ltd. is a traditional confectionery company based in Himeji, Japan, known for producing high-quality Japanese sweets. The company offers a wide variety of confectionery items, including signature products such as 'Shosha Senensugi' (a Baumkuchen-style cake), 'Kinshibai' (a plum jelly dessert), and 'Sake Meguri' (a sake-infused jelly). Kineya prides itself on creating traditional sweets that highlight the unique flavors and culture of the Himeji region. They have been a part of the Japanese confectionery industry for many years and offer seasonal and local delicacies, such as Yokan (sweet bean jelly) and manju (steamed cakes).
Japan Future Agri Co. Ltd.– Japan Future Agri Co. Ltd. is a forward-thinking agricultural company focused on producing, processing, and exporting high-quality agricultural products. The company is dedicated to using organic farming practices, ensuring sustainability, and integrating advanced Japanese agricultural technology. Its vision includes expanding Japan's agriculture to global markets while nurturing young agricultural entrepreneurs and supporting local communities.
Aoyagi Souhonke Co., Ltd. – Aoyagi Souhonke Co., Ltd. is a historic confectionery company based in Aichi, Japan. Founded in 1879, the company specializes in making traditional Japanese sweets, particularly 'Uirou'—a steamed cake made from rice flour and sugar. Over the years, the company has expanded its product range to include seasonal sweets, baked goods, and unique offerings like their famous 'Kaeru Manju' (frog-shaped sweets). Aoyagi Souhonke remains committed to preserving traditional flavors while introducing innovative sweets that appeal to modern tastes.
Eiko Shuzo Co., Ltd. – Eiko Shuzo Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery based in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. With a history of over 120 years, the brewery is renowned for its award-winning sake, including traditional junmai daiginjo and unique local specialties like plum and citrus liqueurs. Eiko Shuzo emphasizes sustainable brewing practices using high-quality local ingredients such as rice and pure water from the Takanawa mountains.
TOSA SAKE BREWERY CO LTD – TOSA SAKE BREWERY CO LTD, located in Kochi, Japan, specializes in the production of premium sake using traditional brewing methods. The company focuses on creating high-quality, unpasteurized sake, ensuring that the rich flavors of the rice and the craftsmanship of the brewing process are preserved. The brewery is known for its commitment to maintaining the natural taste of fresh-pressed sake, which is rapidly frozen using advanced cryo-freezing technology to retain the flavor profile during storage and transportation. Their products are widely appreciated for their freshness and authenticity.

Participating Countries:

Total Participating Countries: 2
Top 2 Countries (Percentage of Total):

Japan: 189 companies (98%)
Singapore: 4 companies (2%)

Major Types of Companies:

Total Number of Company Types: 43
Top 5 Company Types (Percentage of Total):

Food Processing: 66 companies (34%)
Food Manufacturing: 53 companies (27%)
Alcoholic Drinks: 28 companies (14%)
Exporters: 22 companies (11%)
Consulting Services: 14 companies (7%)

Major Product Categories:

Total Number of Product Categories: 64
Top 5 Product Categories (Percentage of Total):

Processed Food: 65 companies (33%)
Alcoholic Drinks: 48 companies (25%)
Confectionery: 34 companies (17%)
Desserts & Snacks: 32 companies (16%)
Seafood: 23 companies (12%)

Major Product Items:

Total Number of Unique Product Items: 403
Top 15 Products (by count):
Sake, Shochu, Ramen, Junmai Sake, Vegetables, Junmai Daiginjo, Processed Foods, Ham, Fresh Fruits, Sausages, Udon, Umeshu, Soy Sauce, Wine, Green Tea

This analysis highlights the extensive participation from Japanese companies, emphasizing their strength in food processing and manufacturing, as well as the diversity of products such as sake, processed foods, and snacks.

Interesting Insights: Food Japan 2024

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Company Types:

Food Processing - Japan
Food Manufacturing - Japan, Singapore
Alcoholic Drinks - Japan
Exporters - Japan
Consulting Services - Japan, Singapore

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Product Categories:

Processed Food - Japan, Singapore
Alcoholic Drinks - Japan, Singapore
Confectionery - Japan, Singapore
Desserts & Snacks - Japan, Singapore
Seafood - Japan, Singapore

Exhibiting Countries of Top 10 Products:

Sake - Japan
Shochu - Japan
Ramen - Japan
Junmai Sake - Japan, Singapore
Vegetables - Japan
Junmai Daiginjo - Japan
Processed Foods - Japan
Ham - Japan
Fresh Fruits - Japan
Sausages - Japan

Top 2 Exhibiting Countries and Their Details:

Japan
Food Processing, Food Manufacturing
Processed Food, Alcoholic Drinks, Confectionery, Seafood
Sake, Shochu, Processed Foods, Vegetables, Ham, Fresh Fruits
Singapore
Food Manufacturing, Consulting Services
Alcoholic Drinks, Processed Food, Confectionery
Junmai Sake, Specialty Sake, HITEJINRO Sake, Beer, Specialty Beverage

Key Highlights: Food Japan 2024

Key Industry Segments:

Food Japan 2024 focuses on several critical segments within the food and beverage industry, emphasizing both traditional and modern elements of Japanese cuisine. The major industry segments showcased at the trade fair include:

Processed Food: This is the largest segment, representing products like pre-packaged meals, frozen foods, and other ready-to-eat items. Japanese innovation in this area is driven by a strong demand for convenience without sacrificing quality.
Alcoholic Drinks: A significant portion of exhibitors focus on Japan’s famous alcoholic beverages such as sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey. This segment caters to both domestic and international markets, as these drinks grow in popularity across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Confectionery & Snacks: From traditional Japanese sweets to modern snacks, this segment appeals to both niche markets and mainstream consumers, highlighting Japan’s versatility in food production.
Seafood: Japan’s premium seafood, including sushi-grade fish, is a standout segment. As a country known for its high-quality seafood, Japan continues to meet the growing demand from international buyers.
Food Processing & Technology: This segment includes machinery and technology that supports the food production and packaging industries, showcasing innovations that improve efficiency and food safety in processing.

Market Trends:

The following trends are shaping the market in 2024 and influencing exhibitors and attendees at Food Japan 2024:

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products: With increasing consumer awareness around sustainability, exhibitors are emphasizing eco-friendly packaging, organic food options, and reduced waste production. There is a noticeable shift toward sourcing and promoting sustainable seafood and organic products that meet global environmental standards.
Health and Wellness: Japanese food products are being positioned as healthy alternatives in international markets, with a focus on nutrient-rich foods such as seaweed, matcha, and fermented products like miso and natto. This reflects the global trend towards health-conscious eating.
Expansion of Japanese Cuisine: There is a growing demand for authentic Japanese flavors outside Japan. Markets in Southeast Asia are particularly interested in premium Japanese products like sake, wagyu beef, and artisanal snacks. Exhibitors are leveraging this trend to strengthen their foothold in international markets.
Culinary Innovation: Many exhibitors are introducing fusion food products that combine Japanese traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques. This includes innovations in desserts, beverages, and snacks to meet the tastes of global consumers.
Technology Integration in Food Production: Automation and food processing technology are key drivers in the industry, with Japan leading advancements in equipment for food safety, packaging, and distribution. This trend is a significant part of the exhibits, offering solutions that cater to efficiency in production lines while maintaining the quality of Japanese products.

These key highlights indicate that Food Japan 2024 is positioned as a comprehensive event, reflecting both traditional culinary culture and innovative market trends.

Conclusion:

Food Japan 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for the food and beverage industry, offering a platform for businesses to explore the best of Japanese cuisine, beverages, and innovative culinary technology. With its wide-ranging industry segments, from processed foods to high-quality seafood, and a focus on sustainability and health-conscious products, this trade fair will connect exhibitors and visitors with fresh opportunities in the rapidly growing ASEAN market.

Food Japan 2024: Exhibitors