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 »
Japan’s tea exports have skyrocketed from under US$20 million fifteen years ago to nearly US$200 million today. Behind this tenfold surge lies more than global fascination with sushi and ramen—it’s the result of savvy marketing, design-forward packaging, health positioning, and a renewed focus on consumer education. Riding the Wave of Japanese Culture The global appetite
Beyond Tradition: Modern Branding Fuels Japan’s Tea Export Boom Read More »
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan (CCBJ) oversees bottling, sales, and distribution across retail, vending, and foodservice channels. In Japanese business language, this frontline activity is known as the genba (現場) —the coal face, where strategy meets reality. As a publicly listed entity, CCBJ reports its financial results regularly. Its second-quarter (H1) earnings presentation drew attention online, as
Graffiti and Declining Sales: Coca-Cola’s Vending Machine Struggles in Osaka Read More »
Last week, I returned from a summer trip to Hokkaido, Japan’s northern frontier—and a rising star in the global seafood trade. With its cool, UK-like climate and rich marine bounty, Hokkaido offers a compelling case study for exporters and market entry strategists alike. Otaru: A Historic Port with Modern Potential Nestled just north of Sapporo,
Cracking the Crab Code: Can Otaru’s Seafood Find a Global Route to Market? Read More »
A Lesson in Branding: Onitsuka Tiger Defies Expectations I’ve always harboured a degree of scepticism when it comes to brand management in Japan—especially in the food and beverage sector, where structured marketing departments are often lacking or non-existent. But fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger breaks the mould entirely. From Kobe Origins to Global Expansion Originally founded in Kobe
How Onitsuka Tiger Became a Japanese Fashion Powerhouse – Outpacing Global Giants Read More »
The other morning, I added a handful of Goji berries to my cereal. I enjoy dried fruit, but most cereals fall short when it comes to variety and volume of fruit inclusions. The Goji berries were bright red, chewy, but—after a few days—sticky. Despite their “superfood” halo, they still contain fructose. But that’s not the
25th June 2025 On Monday, on the 6th floor of Lawson’s soon-to-open head office (set to debut this July), a press event offered a sneak peek into the retailer’s futuristic new tech store. Japan’s convenience stores are iconic and hugely successful—not just at home but increasingly across Asia. While Lawson trails behind industry leader 7-Eleven
Inside Lawson’s Futuristic AI-Powered Convenience Store in Tokyo Read More »
Whilst Expo 2025 Osaka is largely an event for the general public, business and trade discussions play a crucial role. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be a VIP guest at the Belgian Pavilion, exploring key industries that are core to Belgium’s export engine—Chocolate, Biscuits, and Coffee. The event featured presentations from four leading Belgian
Japan’s Love for Belgian Chocolate – Insights from Expo 2025 Read More »
