Singapore, 28 August 2014 –( ASIA TODAY )– The high exposure and good market response exhibitors received over the past editions of Oishii Japan has led to a higher take-up rate this year. As a result, Oishii Japan is expanding its exhibiting space to 6,000 square metres, a 50 per cent increase compared to 4,000 square metres in 2013.
Scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 October 2014 at Suntec Singapore, the third edition of Oishii Japan expects to feature some 230 exhibiting companies from over 20 Japanese prefectures, presenting a wide gamut of classic Japanese ingredients, seasonal produces, unique prefecture specialities as well as innovative technology and machinery to boost productivity.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japanese food export to ASEAN in 2013 hit 100.6 billion Yen, a 24.2 per cent increase compared to 2012. Singapore recorded a growth of 13.5 per cent to 16.4 billion Yen in 2013. The highest increment goes to Vietnam; a 35.9 per cent surge to 29.3 billion Yen. The robust growth in export figures attests to the popularity of Japanese food and drinks in the region.
Against this positive backdrop, Oishii Japan remains to serve as a comprehensive sourcing platform, providing industry players opportunities to understand the intricacies of Japanese F&B and introducing less common products, specialities and brands from the various Japanese prefectures.
Mr Masanao Nishida, Director of Oishii Japan said, “The growing interest in the trade show reflects the confidence and interest in Japanese F&B ingredients and products. Japanese ingredients’ versatile nature makes it incorporate them into both Japanese dining as well as international cuisine. This year, through various workshops and demonstrations, we will spotlight the versatility of Japanese ingredients for innovative industry players to discover more ways of using them.
“We are confident that Oishii Japan 2014’s showcase will provide more opportunities for like-minded trade professionals to exchange ideas and find inspiration to bring more healthy and varied options to discerning palates, as well as bridge the F&B businesses between Japan and ASEAN.”
The three-day expo will feature a plethora of quality Japanese food and drinks as well as innovative products and technology, some of which are not commercially available in Singapore. They range from beef, pork, seafood, sake, fresh fruits and vegetables, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sauces and condiments, noodles, confectionery, cookware, cutlery, tableware and food preparation machinery.
This year, visitors can also look forward to a range of prefecture specialities including Sanuki olive wagyu beef, Aomori apples, Kyoto Japanese tea, Ibaraki fruit yokan (jellied dessert), Hokkaido seafood, Kagoshima sho-chu (distilled liquor), Nadagogo sake and many more.
Oishii Japan 2014 will present themed areas showcasing Japanese sweets and food machinery and technology. One of these areas is J-Sweets, which comprises some 20 exhibiting companies, presenting a myriad of Japanese confectionery including snacks, candies and wagashi (traditional Japanese mocha). Compared to 2013 edition, Oishii Japan 2014 will feature twice the number of Japanese confectionery exhibitors.
Another themed area is J-Food Tech, featuring the latest F&B equipment and technology for food technology for food processing and related operations to raise productivity, efficiency and consistency.
Oishii Japan has impressed many key F&B buyers with its variety of the Japanese F&B products and services. Many are excited at the potential business opportunities presented.
Ms Gemini Soemiryo, a past buyer from Indonesia enthused, “Oishii Japan is a good platform for buyers to glean insights into the latest Japanese F&B products, innovations and market trends. I would recommend the show to my industry colleagues.”
Another past trade visitor, Ms Sukanya Chindakitnukul from Thailand commented that the show is beneficial to buyers as they are able to do business with many exhibitors, especially small and medium enterprises that can offer flexibility in products and services.
Raising awareness on the versatility of Japanese ingredients
Japanese ingredients are probably the most versatile of ingredients and can be used in many different cuisines. In fact, many basic Japanese ingredients and condiments including koji, mirin, miso, soy sauce, sushi vinegar and dashi can be used in varied ways to boost flavours and enhance dishes.
Industry players and the public can look forward to a series of educational workshops, demonstrations and seminars planned to increase understanding on the varied ways of using Japanese food ingredients for different types of cuisines. There will also be complimentary tastings to enhance visitors’ appreciation of Japanese cuisine and culture.
Key Japanese government and trade bodies that have rendered their strong support to
Oishii Japan include: MAFF, Embassy of Japan, ASEAN-Japan Centre, Japan Council of
Local Authorities for International Relations Singapore, Japan External Trade Organisation, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Hokkaido Government, Tochigi Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Japan Food Machinery Manufacturers’ Association.
Other organisations supporting Oishii Japan are Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau and Chefs Association of Malaysia, Penang Chapter.
Organised by Oishii Japan Executive Committee, the annual trade show caters to professionals, chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, importers and distributors, retailers as well as new businesses and investors in the F&B industry.
In 2013, Oishii Japan concluded on a high note as it noted a significant increase in visitor numbers, attesting to the popularity of Japanese cuisine and culture around the world. The show attracted close to 6,000 trade and public visitors from 24 countries, up from 2012 of over 5,000 visitors. The first two trade days saw a 13.5 per cent increase in visitors (close to 4,000 visitors). On the final day, which was open to the public, drew some 2,000 visitors, almost 25 per cent increase from 2012.
Opening hours
Trade: 16 and 17 October 2014, 10.00am to 5.30pm daily
Public: 18 October 2014, 11.00am to 5.00pm
Admission
Trade: Complimentary admission to trade visitors who register online at www.oishii-world.com by 10 October 2014.
Public: $4 per person. Admission is free for children 12 years and below.
For more information, please visit www.oishii-world.com.
About Oishii Japan Executive Committee
Established in 2012, Oishii Japan Executive Committee (of OJ Events Pte Ltd) is helmed by professionals with a strong track record in organising leading trade shows in various sectors, including the food and beverage (F&B) sector. The company is set up with the aim of supporting Japanese enterprises keen to tap on the international markets by providing effective sales and marketing platforms for their products and services. One of the platforms for the F&B industry is Oishii Japan.
For media enquiries on Oishii Japan, please contact:
OJ Events Pte Ltd
Angie Eng
6393 0242
angieeng@mpinetwork.com
Asia PR Werkz
Lim Wee Ling
9768 6827
weeling@asiaprwerkz.com
Joanne Tham
8125 7990
joanne@asiaprwerkz.com
Sophia Lau
9170 2702
sophia@asiaprwerkz.com
- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com
