FHKI Group 8 (Food, beverages, and tobacco) organized a mission to Tokyo and Niigata from March 7th to 12th, 2023. The purpose of the mission was to explore potential business opportunities by visiting various food companies and exhibitions in Tokyo, as well as meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) to discuss the import and export of food between Japan and Hong Kong.

The delegation began by attending Foodex Japan 2023, one of the largest food exhibitions in Asia. Over 1,000 exhibitors participated this year, showcasing food and ingredients from across the globe. This provides members with an opportunity for future business collaboration and to learn about business concepts and ideas from the food industry's leading companies.

The delegation also visited the headquarters of Ajinomoto AGF, a leading global company in the food and coffee industries, to gain insights into the Japanese market and how to break into it. They also visited Uroki, a fish market in the Ikebukuro Tobu Department Store, where they were impressed by the technology and hygiene conditions.

 In Niigata, the delegation attended a seminar hosted by the Niigata Sake Brewers Association, where FHKI Executive Vice Chairman and Group 8 Chairman, Mr. Anthony Lam, explained FHKI's role in the development of the Hong Kong industry. Mr. Eric Ng, Vice Chairman of Group 8, provided an overview of the market potential for Japanese sake in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The delegation also had the opportunity to learn about sake brewing at Imayotdukasa and visit the Tsubame Sanjyo Products Center to see how wine and tableware are manufactured. The trip ended with a visit to Niigata Sake no Jin, an exhibition filled with vendors and professional sake tasters.

 Overall, the mission was a success in terms of expanding business connections and gaining insights into the Japanese market. This event was particularly significant as businesses are recovering from the effects of the pandemic, and FHKI aims to continue facilitating opportunities for future growth and collaboration.