Back for the seventh consecutive year, Food Japan 2018 featured a dazzling mix of Japanese produce, ingredients, sake , and technology at the Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 401 and 402 last weekend. The convention opened exclusively to trade visitors on 25-26 October, with general admission for the public on 27 October.
"There is more to Japanese exports than end products like sushi and shabu shabu. Waiting to be discovered is a full suite of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in food materials, processing technology, and kitchen instruments that currently do not receive much fanfare in Southeast Asia. Through this year’s programming, we hope to impart the rich heritage of Japanese culture and best practices in food quality management in an interactive and engaging fashion."
--- Mr Masanao Nishida, Director of Food Japan ---
The three day long exhibition saw food quality management take center stage at Food Japan 2018. The superior quality of Japanese F&B products, which are subject to rigorous quality checks and produced using advanced food safety techniques received the spotlight.
- Nippon Suisan Kaisha, a subsidiary of NISSUI Group, utilizes a vertically-integrated operation to ensure the safety of its marine produce such as kurose buri (yellowtail) and pollock roe.
- Tsukuba Dairy Products adopts an integrated hygiene management program, along with hazard analysis and quality management certifications to reduce the risks of cross-contamination in the processing of its dairy and nut products.
- With more and more consumers turning to healthier alternatives, the event also showcased key exhibitors responding to this demand. Morinaga Nutritional Foods brought to the event an extensive range of dairy products which includes its vegetable oil free, full-dairy creamer Creap.
- Daiei Foods brought to the event various Halal-certified fishery food products – a nod to Japan’s growing interest in Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. 21 Max New Solution showcased its latest line of productivity-boosting rice cookers – KUBOTA. These devices are designed to help restaurants cope with the challenges of a restricted labour force.
"Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fishery exports surpassed JPY435 billion in the first half of 2018, a significant increase over the same period last year – this suggests consumer trust towards Japanese food export is on the rise. To maintain this momentum, we want to highlight key trends such as food quality, functional food and halal products at Food Japan 2018 to further cement Japan’s leadership position in the food and beverage industry in Southeast Asia."
--- Mr Masanao Nishida, Director of Food Japan ---
Over 200 exhibitors attended Food Japan 2018, which hosted specialities from various Japanese prefectures. 35% were participating for the first time, bringing fresh seasonal produce, delectable ingredients, sake and cutting-edge Japanese technology to the region.
In a bid to support relief efforts for the Hokkaido earthquake, Food Japan will donate S$1 for every Hokkaido food item purchased at the exhibition’s J Food Court to the Japanese Red Cross Society’s (JRCS) Hokkaido Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.
For more information on Food Japan 2018, visit www.oishii-world.com/en/ or instagram.com/foodjapansg.
