Japan to showcase traditional food items at Gulfood 2015

PHOTO

03 February 2015
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) introduces the Japan Pavilion at Gulfood for the second year running and hosts a Japan Food Tasting Seminar.
•Around 24 leading Japanese food companies will be showcasing authentic Japanese food products, including the famous Japanese Wagyu Beef

•The participation in Gulfood highlights the increasing popularity of Japanese cuisine in the region

Dubai - Ahead of JETRO's participation at Gulfood 2015, a Japan Food Tasting Seminar was held at the Address Marina Hotel. The Seminar was opened by the Consul General of Japan in Dubai, His Excellency Hisashi Michigami and included in-depth presentations about Wagyu Beef as well as detailing the stringent food and safety regulations all Japanese food must adhere to. Also in attendance at the event was Chef Takahashi from the award-winning restaurant Tomo at the Raffles Dubai Hotel, demonstrating live Japanese cooking. Speaking at the event was Managing Director, Japan Dairy Industry Association Shinichiro Fujiwara and Director of the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation, Masahiko Suneya and Managing Director MENA, JETRO, Masayoshi Watanabe.

The Japan Pavilion at Gulfood 2015 will exhibit 24 leading Japanese food companies showcasing their products. Visitors to the Japan Pavilion will have the opportunity to see varied types of Japanese foods like beverages, confectionaries, vegetables, seafood, Wagyu beef and condiments such as Miso.

"The Japan Food Tasting Seminar is the perfect event at which to further educate the market about Japanese food and safety regulations as well as the world-famous Japanese cuisine Wagyu Beef. After the great success of Gulfood 2014 we are delighted to be participating in this year's edition of Gulfood. Our authentic and traditional Japanese food items are essential for Japanese cuisine but are not easily available in the region. Japanese Wagyu Beef is widely recognized for its superior quality and taste compared to other types of beef, a product which is highly sought after when exporting food from Japan" Managing Director, JETRO, Masayoshi Watanabe, said at the event.

The exhibiting food companies are known to supply food products to many 5-star hotel and restaurant chains in UAE like Zuma and Nobu. The Middle East food industry is witnessing a growing import of Japanese food products. Japanese food has witnessed an increase in Traditional Japanese cuisine has been given a heritage status by UNESCO in 2013.¹
The Japan Pavilion is located at Trade Centre Arena S-F22 and will be open from 11 am- 7pm on all days.

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About JETRO
JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. Please visit http://www.jetro.go.jp/ for more information.