Executive Summary Japanese chocolate consumption is showing a growth trend, which is driven by a wide consumer base that can afford to purchase premium products on a daily basis. Competition is strong as global and local brands are aggressively investing in marketing to ensure their products reach the right segments. In 2018, the total sales...

Expanding your business in far-away markets has always been a tough job. On top of that, the Japanese market can surprise you in ways you may never have experienced in Europe or other Western business environments. Strategic and on-the-ground sales activity When you are looking for new partners, it is best to rely on someone...

Now it may be an excellent time to promote your brand in Japanese retail if you are in the business of selling alcoholic beverages, pasta or cooking oil. According to the results of the latest household consumption survey, in May Japanese households consumed about 25% more of the food items mentioned above than the same...

Even in your home market, a knowledge of the language is nowhere near enough to guarantee successful business development, market expansion or new product launches. And in a foreign market, there are even more factors at play. In the domestic market, if you want to open a branch in a new city, you probably have...

In our dealings with food and beverage products, we have witnessed many situations where European and Japanese partners tried to do business, but ended up talking at cross purposes. Neither side was able to comprehend the other’s questions or demands. If they managed to make progress in one area, talks broke down again on a...

A crisis can provide new opportunities. Crisis. The word originates from Greek and means ‘decision.’ In times of uncertainty, people and companies typically reduce their expenses and become risk averse. Nevertheless, it is also an excellent time to reassess your direction and adopt a new strategy. There are many reasons for you to make this...

In recent days and months, almost everyone has been thinking about the changes and effects Covid-19 will bring into our lives, including growing interest in the future of the economy and particular industries. The unprecedented emergency measures restricting the mobility of people and goods have raised the question: How will the coronavirus affect globalisation? Globalisation...