When most people think of Korean food, Britain probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. But over the past two decades, the UK’s cultural landscape has evolved—and Korean cuisine is riding that wave of change. According to the most recent census, just over 20,000 people in the UK identify as Korean, with a […]
From New York to New Malden: H Mart’s Korean Wave Hits Britain Read More »
Observations from a flying visit (May 2025) Flying from Japan to Europe these days often involves a gruelling journey over Alaska with hours spent gazing at Greenland—or a much more tolerable route through the Middle East. I, for one, lack the patience for the former and typically opt for a stopover in Dubai or Qatar.
Châteraisé’s Quest for a Hero Product in Dubai – Have They Done Their Homework? Read More »
In 2024, Japan’s second-largest convenience store chain, Lawson, was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange by its new owners, trading house Mitsubishi and communications giant KDDI. Lawson has long played second fiddle to market leader 7-Eleven, but could it be poised to overtake its rival in key Asian markets? In Japan, Lawson operates around 14,000
What Lawson’s Osaka Test Store Tells Us About Their Next Big Move in Asia Read More »
America imports over $1.3 billion of French wine, while Italy ships over $600 million of pasta stateside annually. Although the U.S. has a substantial domestic pet food business, did you know it imports over 39 million tons of dog and cat food annually? All these items and many more are being hit with new tariffs,
Trump’s Tariffs: Strategic Insights for Consumer Products Leaders Read More »
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising both large and small consumer companies, albeit in different ways. Let’s explore how AI is impacting these businesses and how they are using AI to innovate commercial and operations. AI’s Use in Big Multinational Companies AI’s is used in 4 main areas:- 1. Consumer Insights: 2. Speed to Market: There
What AI Means for the Biggest and Smallest Consumer Goods Companies Read More »
A sale is not a sale until you get paid for it, or until the money hits your bank account! On ExportandExpand, I’ve focused on the front end of exporting—business opportunities, market prioritisation, and new category and trade developments. However, access to capital, whether to start a business or finance ongoing operations, is crucial, especially
Trade Financing 101: It’s time to fuel your export dreams! Read More »
Last year, Canadian retailer Couche-Tard bid for 7&I Holdings, one of Japan’s preeminent retail chains. The move was rebuffed, even though Couche-Tard increased their bid. Meanwhile, 7&I has accelerated the divestment of non-core assets like its supermarket business and sought to take the company private. This latter move involved a cohort of banks and several
Japan boasts around 2.4 million hectares (approximately 6.4 million acres) of land dedicated to rice paddies. Given that much of Japan is mountainous, these rice plots tend to be small, making rice farming labour-intensive and low-margin work. Most rice farmers in Japan sell less than JPY 10 million worth of rice annually and, until recently,
Amid Surging Rice Prices, What is the Future for This Once Sacred Crop in Japan? Read More »
Korean food exports hit an all-time high of $13 billion in 2024, and it’s only a matter of time before brands like Orion, Ottogi, and Pulmuone become household names worldwide. A recent news report revealed that there are now 11 Korean food companies with sales exceeding $2 billion. Orion, Ottogi, and Pulmuone are among these
Orion, Ottogi, and Pulmuone: Rising Stars in Korean Food Exports Read More »
Introduction to Kimchi’s Popularity Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, has a per capita consumption of 40 kg per year in South Korea. Japan is the second-largest market for kimchi, highlighting its global appeal. China’s Growing Kimchi Market In China, often referred to as “pao cai” (韩式泡菜), kimchi generated USD 870 million in revenue in
How Should Kimchi and CJ’s Bibigo Be Promoted in Europe and the US? Read More »