Exploring the Japanese specialty food market – podcast

Japanese consumers value presentation and unique flavors, which could lend inspiration for products launched throughout the globe, according to GreenPurse PR’s Lisa Mabe.

Sandy Almendarez, VP of Content

May 7, 2019

Japanese shoppers have a variety of healthy consumer package goods (CPGs) to choose from offered in several types of retail outlets from convenient stores to supermarkets, specialty stores and high-end shops in luxury stores. Like American consumers, they are interested in snack foods, unique flavors and ingredients, and food “experiences.” But unlike Americans, third-party certifications aren’t valued as much, but presentation is king.

Lisa Mabe, founder and CEO of GreenPurse PR, observed these aspects of the Japanese retail landscape during a recent visit where she was conducting shopper research. In this podcast with Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER, Mabe recounted her top takeaways of the Japanese specialty food market, including:

  • The ubiquity of matcha in lattes, smoothies, baked goods, candies and more.

  • The large presence of beef and dried seafood on the market,

  • Tips for U.S.-based brands that are exploring launching products in Japan.

Links and resources:

Got feedback? Email Sandy at [email protected], or tweet to @NatProdINSIDER using the hashtag #INSIDERPodcast.

About the Author

Sandy Almendarez

Sandy Almendarez

VP of Content, Informa

Summary

• Well-known subject matter expert within the health & nutrition industry with more than 15 years’ experience reporting on natural products.

• She cares a lot about how healthy products are made, where their ingredients are sourced and how they affect human health.

• She knows that it’s the people behind the businesses — their motivations, feelings and emotions — drive industry growth, so that’s where she looks for content opportunities.

Sandy Almendarez is VP of Content for SupplySide and an award-winning journalist. She oversees the editorial and content marketing teams for the B2B media brands SupplySide Supplement Journal and SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, the education programming for the health and nutrition trade shows SupplySide Connect New Jersey and SupplySide West, the education program SupplySide Fresh for industry newcomers and community engagement across the SupplySide portfolio. She is a seasoned content strategist with a passion for health, good nutrition, sustainability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a content-focused business leader. With specialization in topics ranging from product development to content engagement, creative marketing and c-suite decision making, her work is known for its engaging style and its relevance for business leaders in the health and nutrition industry.

In her free time, Sandy loves running, drinking hot tea and watching her two kids grow up. She brews her own “Sandbucha” homemade kombucha; she’s happy to share if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Awards:

Speaker credentials

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University

Contact:

See more from Sandy Almendarez
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