This report summarizes the results of a survey project on ambitious businesses inside and outside Hokkaido and new export models that bring impact to Hokkaido food export expansion, conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY 2024.
Hokkaido is known for its abundant agricultural and marine resources and high food quality, occupying an important position in Japan's food export strategy. To achieve the government's food export goals, further promotion of overseas expansion of Hokkaido food products is required.
This survey conducted actual situation surveys of ambitious businesses engaged in Hokkaido food exports, analysis of success cases, and examination of new export models. Market characteristics by export destination countries and regions, product development and marketing strategies, logistics and quality management systems, and public-private partnership initiatives were analyzed in detail.
Survey results revealed that while overseas evaluation of Hokkaido food products is high, there are significant differences in the scale and experience of businesses engaged in exports. Successful businesses were confirmed to excel in detailed understanding of local needs, thorough quality management, and continuous relationship building.
Additionally, to promote export participation by small and medium enterprises, new models were proposed including construction of joint export systems, efficient sales channel development utilizing digital technology, and support for simplifying export procedures.
The survey results are expected to be utilized as important reference materials for future Hokkaido food export promotion policies and support system design.