A delegation of Welsh food companies have visited Japan, promoting new economic partnerships between the two nations.
Foodex Japan is Asia’s largest food and drink exhibition, with the Welsh Government supporting the presence of a number of producers under the Cymru/Wales banner.
The visit comes against a backdrop of wider events being held as part of ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, which is a year-long campaign by the Welsh Government to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships, with the aim of bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries.
Food and Drink Wales highlighted that Wales has long-standing economic ties with Japan, particularly due to inward investment by Japanese companies into Wales since the 1970s, and is currently home to 70 Japanese companies.
Among the Welsh exhibitors at Foodex Japan were Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), The Lobster Pot and Morning Foods.
HCC also hosted a ‘Celebration of Welsh Lamb’ event in conjunction with Welsh Government at a restaurant in Tokyo, which specialises in lamb. Chef Kazuhiro Kikuchi is a well-known advocate of lamb, having published ‘Tokyo Lamb Story’, and presented a chef’s table of Welsh lamb for buyers and potential customers.
The latest figures on Welsh food and drink exports show that their value has risen by £243 million – or 43% – since 2019. Welsh food and drink exports to non-EU countries were worth £202 million in 2023, which is an increase of £63 million since 2019, with the value of exported goods to Asia and Oceania during 2023 being £46 million, a 34% increase from £34 million in 2019.
“I’m sure the companies flying the flag for Wales will be able to build new and meaningful partnerships that are beneficial to both countries.”
The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Foodex Japan is always an important event for Welsh food and drink companies, as we continue our push to open new markets and show what we can offer on a global scale.
“It is especially important this year as we celebrate the rich cultural and economic ties between Wales and Japan. It is an opportunity to develop and strengthen our relationships, and I’m sure the companies flying the flag for Wales will be able to build new and meaningful partnerships that are beneficial to both countries.”
Anglesey-based lobster supplier The Lobster Pot hoped that the journey to Foodex in Japan would open new markets. Julie Hill from The Lobster Pot said: “Events such as Foodex give us an opportunity to show what Welsh produce can offer the world.
“We’re able to give our customers a fantastic product, which is quality, sustainably sourced shellfish. As experienced exporters to Japan, we’re hopeful that the visit will help build on our current relationships, as well as opening new opportunities in the country, and the rest of Asia.”
