Local food exporters urged to tap Japanese market

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipino food exporters, especially of banana chips, chicken yakitori and biscuits, are invited to penetrate the huge Japanese market.

During the recently held FOODEX Japan 2014, Japan’s top trade food and beverage show, 25 local companies received orders worth $25.24 million, higher than the $17 million target. The total export orders comprised booked orders and sales under negotiation.

Based on reported sales, the best selling product is banana chips, followed by chicken yakitori, biscuits and peking duck meat.

Philippine high-grade food products are also in-demand in the Japanese market. These include coconut, pineapple, mango, banana, coffee, cacao and tuna which are the focus of the government’s Design for Exports Program for the Food Sector (DEFood).

Products that received many inquiries from potential buyers during the event were biscuits, DEFood, Lipa fresh coconut water, frozen durian and sweet potato, and yakitori and frozen vegetables.

Apart from Japan, other buyers of Filipino food products were Korea, China, Taiwan and other countries.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez suggested the need for participation in the exhibition of more Philippine exporters due to the rising presence of other country- suppliers.

The ambassador said new players and products should be included.
Local food exporters are advised to develop and design their products tailored for the Japanese market.