Who Doesn't Adore Japanese Foods?
According to NHK World Japan, Hong Kong ranked as Japan’s second-largest market for agricultural and fi sheries exports last year, following Mainland China, with export values totaling approximately 1.4 billion dollars.
As things return to normal after the pandemic, Japanese food companies who aim to enter the markets of Hong Kong and South China have returned to the HKTDC Food Expo PRO. This annual food trade show takes place every August and is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For importers, distributors, and retail buyers seeking new Japanese food products, the Expo is an absolute must-attend event. With support from JETRO and various food industry associations from different prefectures across Japan, it proudly presents the largest Japan pavilion among all food trade shows in Hong Kong. This year, over 150 Japanese food companies are participating, with approximately 30% of them being fi rst-time exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of hundreds of new products.
If you missed the show this year, don’t worry! Our reporters attended the event and discovered some exciting products that you may be thrilled to source.
“This year, an increasing number of food companies from diverse prefectures across Japan have come together at the HKTDC Food Expo PRO to showcase and promote a wide range of Japanese food products.”
Yamazaki Yusuke
Director, Business Development Department, JETRO Hong Kong
YAMAGUCHI FARM
Ibaraki Prefecture
Super Sweet Lotus Root
Ibaraki Prefecture dominates lotus root production in Japan, accounting for over 50% of the national yield. Yamaguchi Farm specializes in the “Tamami” variety, known for its exceptional sweetness level of 9 degrees (compared to the average range of 5 to 7 degrees). TAMAMI is cultivated using 100% organic fertilizers and holds certification as a “Specially Cultivated Agricultural Product.” Enjoy the naturally delightful flavor of Tamami by slicing it for raw consumption. Harvested year-round, each season brings its own distinct taste. In summer, Tamami is fresh and tender, while in winter, it becomes sweeter and rich in vitamin C.
KADOCHO CO. LTD.
Wakayama Prefecture
Powdered Soy Sauce
Presenting an innovative powdered soy sauce, offering a light and preservative-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. This Wakayama-born sensation saves on transportation costs and stays fresh without refrigeration. Embraced by renowned chefs, including those at the Mandarin Hotel, it comes from Kadocho Co., Ltd, the oldest handmade soy sauce brewery in Yuasa, Wakayama Prefecture, established in 1841.
TIMELESS BUFFET - SHINGI CORPORATION
Frozen Bento Origini
Shingi Corporation has recently introduced a diverse range of frozen bento origini rice balls, featuring 11 local flavors from prefectures like Hyogo, Ishikawa, Yamanashi and Shizuoka. Timeless Buffet offers a delightful assortment of fi llings, including oysters, scallops, chicken, beef, shrimp, tempura, and more. Thanks to advanced freezing technology, the textures of all the ingredients are impeccably preserved, ensuring that the freshly cooked flavors remain intact even after defrosting. Consumers can effortlessly heat the rice balls in the microwave or simply steam them in a cooker for a convenient and delicious meal experience.
HAKUBAKU
Fifteen Grain Rice
This blend consists of fi fteen grains, creating a springy and easy-to-eat mixed grain rice. Simply cook it with white rice to enjoy a high-fi bre meal. The grains include barley, black rice, crushed corn, glutinous rice, germinated red rice, germinated brown rice, crushed soybeans, black roasted sesame, white roasted sesame, quinoa and more.
KOUJIYA
Mie Prefecture
Koji Pudding
Koujiya in Ise Prefecture offers a unique pudding made with koji, the mold used in fermenting sake, soy sauce, and miso. This Vanilla-flavored pudding combines local free-range eggs and fresh cream, undergoing a double fermentation process for a rich taste. Koji is packed with essential amino acids and vitamins, providing health benefi ts. Enjoyed by all ages, this non-alcoholic dessert is a delightful treat.
SELENE
Wakayama Prefecture
Binchotan Foods
The Wakayama Prefecture-based SELENE Inc. presents a variety of food products featuring Kishu binchotan. This includes rice boxes with Binchotan curry, dry ramen, and vegetarian noodles. Cooking with Binchotan releases beneficial minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, enhancing the nutritional value of the dishes. Kishu binchotan is made only from 100% Japanese Ubame (Japanese Oak), and known as the King of all charcoal.
TUBU - NATURAL MOUNTAIN MONKEYS
Marinated Mustard Seeds
Natural Mountain Monkeys is a leading Japanese camping equipment brand that that recently expanded its product line to include camping food items. The award-winning TUBU mustard seeds are sourced from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region. To enhance their flavor, they are combined with natural salt from Oga, Akita Prefecture, and a special rice vinegar made from Akita Komachi rice. This rice is cultivated using the traditional static fermentation method in Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture. Furthermore, the mustard seeds are soaked in 100% additive-free apple cider from Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, which adds antioxidants and contributes to their exceptional flavor.
When camping, travellers prioritize packing light and have limited space for condiments. A single bottle of granular mustard seeds conveniently enhances the flavor of multiple meals. Introducing seasoning products by Natural Mountain Monkeys is a smart move.
TORETANTO - JA TOKACHI SHIMIZU
Hokkaido
Hokkaido Roasted Red Beans Tea
Roasted red bean tea is a popular beverage consumed by Japanese girls and pregnant women to alleviate puffi ness and swelling. The red beans used in Toretanto are sourced from Tokachi and cultivated using the “Shimizu Organic” organic compost developed by JA Tokachi Shimizu, and is refi ned with special roasting techniques. No caffeine, no calories, drinking too much will not affect the quality of sleep.
GOLDEN JERSEY - TOKACHI OBIHIRO KATO FARM
Hokkaido
Jersey Cow Dairy Products from Hokkaido
In Japan, the milk pricing system disadvantages Jersey cows due to their lower milk yield compared to Holsteins. Jersey cows are also not commonly used as beef cattle, resulting in their limited presence in the country.
Tokachi Kato Farm in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region is the exclusive source of raw Jersey cow milk in the area. With 80 Jersey cows, they are among the few farms in Japan that breed this particular cow, as there are only around 800 Jersey cows in Hokkaido and 10,000 in total nationwide.
Jersey cow milk is highly prized for its rich composition of milk fat, milk protein, and carotene, which contribute to its nutritional value and delightful flavor. It is commonly known as “GOLDEN MILK” or the “KING OF MILK” due to its high carotene content and beautiful light golden color. The farm’s commitment to organic farming practices guarantees that the cows enjoy a superior diet, translating into both delicious milk and high-quality dairy products.
NAMISATO
Tochigi Prefecture
Gluten-free Rice Flour
The non-gluten rice flour offered by Namisato contains less than 1ppm of gluten, in contrast to the typical 20ppm found in “gluten-free” products. Made with nutritious Tochigi rice, cultivated in fertile soils with mineral-rich water, it is ideal for diverse culinary uses. In addition to their general-purpose rice flour, Namisato also provides a rice flour and glutinous rice blend, perfect for making sticky cakes or mochi.
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