Explore Japan: Food & Drink Mission to Tokyo & Expo Osaka EOI

The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) invite food & drink companies to join in a trade mission to Japan which includes a two-centre trip to Tokyo & Osaka Kansai to discover the wealth of opportunities in the Japanese market.  

Why participate?  

Japan is one of Asia Pacific’s most open economies, being the 17th largest export market with UK’s exports totalling £13.8 billion per year. The country is currently the third largest economy in the world. With our free trade agreement and recent accession to CPTPP, we have entered an exciting new chapter in trading relations between the UK and Japan. 

Japan has a very sophisticated food and drink market. Although traditional Japanese culinary culture remains a strong part of national identity, Japanese consumers enjoy a diverse range of food and drink, valuing the country of origin and stories behind individual products. 

There is a growing demand for authentic British products. Authentic products that are emblematic of British culture are particularly popular among Japanese consumers.  

The demand for goods such as wine, beer, black teas, whiskies, biscuits and shortbread, and Scottish smoked salmon have seen particular growth in recent years. The UK-Japan trade agreement also ensures iconic UK goods will receive enhanced protections as geographical indications in Japan. 

With 28 million expected visitors (24.7 million domestic and 3.5 million international), Expo Osaka offers an unparalleled platform to engage with key audiences: the general public, Japanese government representatives, and the business community. 

Attending this mission will give companies the chance to meet buyers from the key store groups, together with distributors and agents. Companies can also take advantage of this high-growth market and the fast-growing middle class consumer sector in Japan. 

What are the benefits of attending? 

1. Guided retail store visits in Tokyo & Osaka  

2. B2B networking reception with importers and buyers in both Tokyo & Osaka 

3. Pre-mission teach-in webinar on selling Food & Drink to Japan  

4. Support from an experienced DBT International Trade Adviser and from DBT Japan Team throughout 

5. Opportunity to visit Expo Osaka and the UK Pavilion, featuring a UK Festival of Flavours event 

 

Dates: 

10-15th June 2025 

Location: 

Tokyo & Osaka 

Registration deadline:  

28th February 2025 

Eligibility: 

Suitable for innovative and/or high growth food & drink small and medium-sized businesses, who are existing exporters and have a minimum turnover of £500k.  

Specific categories of interest include; Premium spirits, Sparkling wine, Craft beer, High-Quality dairy products, Artisan and Health-Focused Snacks, Biscuits, Organic & vegan snacks, Savoury snacks, Confectionary, Low/No-alcohol beverages, Speciality teas, Healthy drinks, Gourmet & Artisan Condiments, Preserves, Cordials, Ethical and Sustainable Food Products, Organic or products with a GI or Royal Warrant. 

Cost: 

There is a fee of £250+vat for participation in this mission. 

Please note that all applications are subject to eligibility checks.  

Please register your interest below by filling out your email which will take you though to fill out all of your information.