Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) officially recognises 244 traditional arts and crafts across the country — from lacquerware and ceramics in Tohoku, to fans in Chiba, furniture in Matsumoto, and paper products in Shikoku. Each region has its own story, but few are as globally relevant as the blades of Sakai, in […]
Sakai’s knife-makers: Small workshops, Big global demand Read More »
This year’s FHA–Food & Beverage in Singapore delivered one of the most energetic trade show environments I’ve seen in Asia for some time. The halls were packed from the moment doors opened — noticeably busier than FOODEX in Tokyo — and the mix of exhibitors reflected a region that is scaling fast, diversifying, and investing
Inside FHA 2026: What I Learned Standing With One of Singapore’s Top Distributors Read More »
Royce’: Hokkaido’s chocolate star From cocoa farms in Colombia to advanced manufacturing across Hokkaido During a recent visit to the Royce’ Chocolate shop and factory in Sapporo, I was reminded how premium food brands are rarely built on product alone. They are built through story, place, engineering discipline, and restraint. Royce is a masterclass in how Japanese
How a Privately Owned Japanese Chocolate Brand Built US$220m in Revenue — Quietly Read More »
How your Business Can Choose the Right Markets With Confidence Expanding internationally is one of the most powerful ways for small and mid‑sized companies to grow. But with limited resources, choosing the right markets matters far more than choosing many markets. Too often, companies rely on gut feel, anecdotal evidence, or the latest “hot market”
The 3‑Pillar Framework for Prioritising Export Markets Read More »
This year I had the opportunity to visit FOODEX Japan 2026 on opening day, held at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight — one of Japan’s largest and most recognisable exhibition venues. The event ran 10–13 March, 2026 and spanned multiple halls across the East, West, and South wings of the complex. The location is always a highlight. A quick, smooth 30‑minute
FOODEX Japan 2026 — Opening Day Reflections, Market Insights & A Look Behind the Scenes Read More »
Brands don’t win in the warehouse — they win at the point of purchase. When growth stalls, many companies default to the usual levers: new SKUs, new claims, new campaigns. In our work with consumer products brands across markets, the root cause is often simpler—and more structural: an RTM model that doesn’t match the growth
Winning Route to Market (RTM): How to Choose the Model That Actually Drives Growth Read More »
The world of international business is changing fast. Today, a growing wave of micro‑multinationals is proving that global expansion is no longer reserved for large corporations with vast budgets and complex infrastructures. Instead, small, highly focused organisations are taking their products and expertise into international markets earlier than ever before. These companies typically start with
The Rise of Micro‑Multinationals: Why Small Companies Are Winning Globally Read More »
Why Otaru? The sight of century-old warehouses glowing at dusk, the smell of freshly cooked scallops and snowboarding — these are the moments that convinced me Hokkaido was more than just a destination. After countless visits, I finally decided to make it home, buying an apartment in Otaru this summer. Otaru is a year-round destination
Living the Hokkaido Dream: Food, Culture, and Real Estate Read More »
Attending Anuga 2025 in Cologne was a whirlwind of innovation, flavour, and global connections. There were over 8000 exhibitors! Among the standout exhibitors was Rosario, a UK-based export company with a unique approach to international grocery distribution. Headline Interview: I had the chance to sit down with Rosario’s team for a quick interview (watch the
From the North West to the Far East: Rosario’s Smart Export Strategy at Anuga 2025 Read More »
We (Weben) recently had the pleasure of hosting a one-day market immersion in Osaka, Japan, spotlighting the fast-evolving world of novel foods—with a powerhouse delegation from Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Finland isn’t just dabbling in biotech—it’s diving in headfirst. The delegation featured civil servants, representatives from research organisations and five innovative companies, ranging
From Fermentation to Future Foods: Finland’s Biotech Push into Japan Read More »