In 2020, Japan announced its ambition to expand food and agricultural exports to a target of 5 trillion yen by 2030, and since then, much of the overseas exports and expansion have been carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Global Farmers/ It has been overseen by the Fishermen/Foresters/Food Producers Project (GFP). .
Since its inception, the agency has focused on supporting a variety of Japanese food companies, from producers to food manufacturers, traders, and exporters, to enter overseas markets. We believe that accelerating progress towards our goals requires a more comprehensive and collaborative approach.
“Successful overseas expansion of all Japanese food and agricultural products requires a multifaceted perspective,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in an official statement.
“This includes overseas expansion strategy, overseas market development, market needs research, web marketing, branding, design, etc.
“Therefore, in order to capture the global market, we would like to promote initiatives through public-private collaboration to create a co-creative environment where experts with diverse skills can thrive.” [come together and] We will take on the challenge of overseas expansion together with export-oriented food business operators across sectors. ”
According to the ministry, many Japanese companies point to a lack of expertise in these areas beyond actual food production and trading as a major impediment to their expansion efforts.
“The value of Japan's food exports is [and agricultural] Products have hit a record high for 10 consecutive years, and demand for Japanese food is increasing. [there are still some challenges to overcome]” the ministry said.
“More and more export companies are expanding overseas, but many exporters cite the lack of talent with the real expertise and know-how to expand in overseas markets as a major problem. I am.
“We would like to encourage co-creation with people with deep knowledge in various fields and tackle this issue.” [mentioned above]a variety of perspectives not limited to within the agriculture and food industry.
“This type of approach has proven essential to solving not only the challenges faced by companies looking to expand overseas, but also some of the problems faced by local food businesses.”
The integration of cooperation elements will be considered a more “advanced” form of the project, and GFP is expected to continue to play a key leading role here as well.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Cabinet Office's Professional Human Resources Project, will build strategic bases of specialized human resources in each prefecture in Japan, which will create a nationwide export business network for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries GFP. It will happen.” [on-the-ground] “Partners working together to resolve export issues,” he added.
“The planned process is to match the necessary human support to the region based on need, which is determined based on interviews with food and agricultural companies and is based on the company's specific problems and expertise. Requirements are determined.
“This expertise will be provided by companies and organizations across Japan who are consistent with the purpose of this project and are committed to taking on the cross-boundary challenge to jointly achieve the overseas expansion of Japan's food industry. ”
Expertise for expansion
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the most in-demand skill identified as lacking for local food companies is developing overseas sales channels, with approximately 62% of companies surveyed seeking assistance. There is.
This was followed by export strategic planning (43%), trade practice expertise (37%), and overseas marketing (33%). Other areas of concern included digital marketing, export compliance expertise, production management, and corporate branding.
“Area such as international market research, competitive analysis, brand strategy applicable overseas, e-commerce site development, and overseas sales negotiations are of great interest in this project,” said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“An example of a successful external talent who has actively contributed to the food sector is Radio, who was announced to have helped develop an app to support rice farmers and businesses.”