The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is sponsoring 10 Japanese companies to exhibit at the International Boston Seafood Show, which runs from Sunday to Tuesday. MAFF funded 10 companies to attend the 2008 show, four of which are returning this year. Last year was the first time Japan had a pavilion at the annual event.
Each exhibiting company has selected seafood items from their product line-up that they hope will best appeal to the U.S. market, according to Tatsuya Sakai of Kyodo Public Relations Co. Ltd., which is organizing the Japanese exhibitors for MAFF.
Some of the companies are offering similar items.
Two companies - Kanedai Co. Ltd. and Abecho Shoten Co. Ltd. - are promoting Pacific saury from Kessenuma, Japan's largest saury port.
Three aquaculture companies, including Hyoshoku Co. Ltd., are promoting farmed yellowtail. Dainichi Corp. also farms red sea bream (madai), while Morimatsu Suisan Reito Co. Ltd. farms Japanese amberjack. Yellowtail and amberjack are popular sushi and sashimi items, while sea bream is often served at New Year or at celebratory meals in Japan.
The Japanese product chichiku (broiled surimi seafood with cheese) will be promoted by Kibun Foods. In Japan, chikichi is a popular snack for kids and as an appetizer with beer.
Several of the exhibitors already have U.S. offices or subsidiaries.
To register for the International Boston Seafood Show, click here.
March 8, 2009
Japanese Pavilion returns to Boston
