Businesses sought for food ingredients and additives exhibition in Japan

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) Marketing Branch is looking for Hawaii companies interested in participating in the 27th International Food Ingredients and Additives Exhibition (IFIA) in Tokyo, Japan, slated May 17-19, 2023.

Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC), a nonprofit organization, is helping with recruitment and will coordinate the booths for HIDOA. Held at Tokyo’s Big Sight, the IFIA show focuses on ingredients that are suited for use by manufacturers in value-added food products.

The HFE JAPAN 2023 (Health Food Exhibition) will also be held concurrently in the same venue. The HFE is the leading exhibition for manufacturers and suppliers for the health-conscious Japanese market, with an emphasis on food-related ingredients.

In 2022, despite Japan being essentially closed to foreigners, the IFIA show attracted 22,000 buyers, scientists, and decision makers from around the world. More than 220 companies exhibited their products in 590 booths.

“This major show is an exciting opportunity for Hawaii businesses to showcase their ingredients and additives to thousands of food scientists and affiliated professionals,” said MFTC Board Member Nina Tanabe, MS, CFS. “If interested in participating, we encourage you to contact us to learn more. If you already do business in Japan, your agent may participate in the booth to help market your products. If you need a distributor or importer, we can also assist you.”

The exhibition fee is $350 per company. Eligible businesses may be able to receive company assistance to participate in the show through the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBEDT) HiSTEP program. Awards are up to $5,000 for new-to-export companies and up to $15,000 for market expansion programs.

For more information, email info@mauifoodtechnology.org or call (888) 948-6382. Space is subject to availability.