FOODEX Japan 2026 — Opening Day Reflections, Market Insights & A Look Behind the Scenes

Other / By

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 […]

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Route to market

Winning Route to Market (RTM): How to Choose the Model That Actually Drives Growth

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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

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The Rise of Micro‑Multinationals: Why Small Companies Are Winning Globally

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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

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Living the Hokkaido Dream: Food, Culture, and Real Estate

Japan, Tourism / By

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

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From the North West to the Far East: Rosario’s Smart Export Strategy at Anuga 2025

Export / By

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

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From Fermentation to Future Foods: Finland’s Biotech Push into Japan

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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

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Beyond Tradition: Modern Branding Fuels Japan’s Tea Export Boom

Branding, Retail / By

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

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Graffiti and Declining Sales: Coca-Cola’s Vending Machine Struggles in Osaka

Japan, Route to Market, Vending / By

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

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小樽
Otaru, Hokkaido

Cracking the Crab Code: Can Otaru’s Seafood Find a Global Route to Market?

Japan, Tourism / By

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,

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How Onitsuka Tiger Became a Japanese Fashion Powerhouse – Outpacing Global Giants

Fashion, Market entry / By

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

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