A Jamaican delegation has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2024).

The event is set to commence today, March 5, at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre, through to March 8.

Led by Richard Pandohie, past president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), the delegation comprising Associated Manufacturers Limited (Walkerswood), Seprod Limited, Jamaican Teas Limited, and Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited, arrived on site yesterday to set up their booths under the banner of “Taste of Jamaica,” to showcase the vibrant flavours and rich culinary heritage of Jamaica to the Asian market.

“I feel a tremendous sense of pride in leading the Jamaican delegation to FOODEX Japan 2024, the largest food and beverage expo in Asia. Last year, through the tremendous effort of the Jamaican embassy to Japan, a team from the JMEA was able to observe firsthand what FOODEX is about and the potential opportunities it offers to Jamaican exporters,” said Pandohie.

Pandohie highlighted that this year’s participation was made possible through collaborative efforts by Jamaican Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards and her team, with support from the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce (MIIC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica Promotion Corporation (JAMPRO), the JMEA and the Japan Manufacturers Association.

The tastes of Jamaica will be on full display as the companies seek to increase the presence of Jamaica’s premium food and beverage products in the Japanese and other markets. Walkerswood is set to feature its jerk seasonings, green seasoning, curry paste, and pepper sauces, with a sampling of jerk chicken prepared using its seasoning. Jamaican Teas Limited will showcase its variety of teas and soup mixes, with samples of soups available for tasting. Seprod will present its festival mix, Delite sorrel juice drink, and Supligen liquid meal supplements. Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited will exhibit its premium coffee-infused rum cakes and chocolates.

Pandohie highlighted that Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has been a tremendous success in Japan, paving the way for other Jamaican products to get a piece of Japan’s US$800-billion food and beverage market.

He added, “I am excited and nervous about the business possibilities, but just being here is already a win. We are demonstrating that Jamaica is about enhancing bilateral trade with Japan, especially in the year that both countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. We are demonstrating that Jamaican companies are serious about doing business on the biggest platforms globally.”

Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards said, “We are thrilled to represent Jamaica at FOODEX Japan 2024 and very eager to introduce Japanese consumers to the exceptional quality and diversity of Jamaican food and beverage products.”

She disclosed that several companies within the delegation have already finalised meetings with potential buyers to explore market entry opportunities. Furthermore, she has coordinated a supermarket observation tour which will offer the delegation invaluable insights into the Japanese retail landscape.