ZEN-NOH International Corporation is the global trading arm of the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (ZEN-NOH), one of Japan’s largest agricultural cooperatives. Headquartered in Tokyo, ZEN-NOH International serves as a vital conduit for promoting and exporting Japanese agricultural products to international markets, while supporting domestic producers in gaining global exposure and market access.
Core Business
The company's core mandate is to export premium Japanese agricultural and livestock products, maintain food safety standards, and develop sustainable international trade channels. ZEN-NOH International operates as a specialized trading house, linking Japanese farming cooperatives with overseas buyers across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Product and Service Offerings
ZEN-NOH International Corporation provides a curated portfolio of high-quality Japanese food products:
- Japanese Rice: Including Koshihikari and other premium short-grain varieties known for their texture and flavor
- Wagyu Beef: A5-grade Japanese Black Wagyu, marketed under regional brands such as Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Hida
- Fruits and Vegetables: Seasonal exports of high-end Japanese fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes, Satsuma mandarins, and melons
- Processed Foods and Ingredients: Including miso, soy sauce, and ready-to-eat Japanese meal kits for food service and retail
Specialization and Core USP
ZEN-NOH International's unique strength lies in its cooperative structure, giving it direct access to a network of over 4.6 million farmers through ZEN-NOH’s member JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) groups. This ensures:
- Full Product Traceability from Farm to Export
- Standardized Safety and Quality Control Protocols
- Exclusive Access to Protected Regional Brands
- Stable Supply Volumes even during market fluctuations
Financial Overview
As a part of ZEN-NOH, which is among the world’s largest agricultural cooperatives, ZEN-NOH International benefits from significant financial backing and scale:
- Parent Group Revenue (ZEN-NOH, FY2023): Over ¥3.6 trillion (~$25 billion USD)
- International Division Contribution: Estimated $900 million+ in annual export value
- Top Product by Revenue: Japanese Wagyu beef exports have grown steadily, reaching over $400 million USD in 2023
Shipment Records
Based on export data and customs filings, ZEN-NOH International has shown strong global shipment activity:
- Annual Export Volume: Over 45,000 tons of agricultural and processed goods
- Top Destinations: USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, France
- Wagyu Exports: Over 5,000 metric tons in 2023
- Rice Exports: Approx. 12,000 metric tons, including organic-certified and GI-protected varieties
Target Markets
ZEN-NOH International serves a diverse range of clients worldwide:
- Premium Food Retailers and Supermarket Chains
- Michelin-Starred Restaurants and High-End Hospitality Groups
- Wholesale Distributors of Japanese Specialty Foods
- Food Processing Companies Seeking Japanese Ingredients
Capabilities
- Cold Chain Logistics Infrastructure, including refrigerated air and sea freight
- HACCP-Compliant Export Facilities across Japan
- Market-Specific Packaging and Labeling Services
- Regulatory Compliance Expertise in over 50 countries
- Multilingual Sales & Technical Support Team
Certifications and Compliance
- GlobalG.A.P. Certified Production Sites
- HACCP and ISO 22000 for all processing centers
- Halal Certification for Wagyu beef and select products for Middle Eastern markets
- Organic JAS & USDA Organic Certification for select rice and produce
Customer Testimonials
“ZEN-NOH International has been instrumental in helping us introduce premium Japanese Wagyu and Shine Muscat grapes to our customers. The quality consistency is world-class.”
— Tom Becker, Director of Procurement, Royal Foods Group, USA
“Their logistics are seamless, and the documentation support makes Japanese imports easy to manage. A trusted long-term partner.”
— Ng Mei Ling, Head of Sourcing, Sakura Food Distributors, Singapore
Major Achievements
- Ranked as Japan’s #1 Agricultural Export Facilitator by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2023)
- Developed exclusive distribution partnerships with over 120 international retailers
- Export growth of +27% YoY from 2022 to 2023 across all major product lines
- Pioneered Japan’s entry into the Halal-certified Wagyu market in GCC countries