Showcasing hundreds of US organic products and briefing the Japanese business community on the American organic industry, Tokyo played host to the first-ever Organic Day in Japan on October 29. Sponsored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the event helped explain to Japanese residents how organic food benefits consumers, farmers and the environment. In addition, the event helped deepen the awareness and trust of the US organic brand—planting seeds for long-term business opportunities in Japan.
“Organic represents less than 1 percent of the food industry in Japan, but there is plenty of room and momentum to grow,” says Monique Marez, OTA’s associate director of international trade. “High-quality food is very important to Japanese consumers. As they learn more about the strict regulations and standards guiding the American organic industry, they are developing more appreciation for organic, its quality and its benefits.”