Exhibiting at Foodex Japan 2025

About WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives is a leading agricultural organization in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, dedicated to supporting local farmers, agricultural production, and regional food specialties. As part of the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (JA Group), it plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural sustainability, promoting local produce, and ensuring fair trade practices. The cooperative specializes in premium fruit production, traditional Japanese condiments, and specialty beverages, making Wakayama a key player in Japan’s agricultural export sector.

Core Business

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives operates across multiple areas in agriculture, food processing, and distribution, ensuring high-quality local agricultural products reach domestic and international markets.

Key Business Segments:

• Agricultural Production & Farmer Support – Helping local farmers optimize production through cooperative support programs.
• Processing & Value-Added Agricultural Products – Creating premium beverages, condiments, and fruit-based products.
• Export & Domestic Distribution – Expanding Wakayama’s specialty fruits, juices, and agricultural goods into global markets.
• Sustainable Farming & Rural Development – Implementing eco-friendly agricultural practices for long-term productivity.

Product and Service Offerings

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives offers a variety of high-quality agricultural products:

Wakayama Specialty Fruits

Wakayama is Japan’s No.1 producer of ume plums and high-grade citrus fruits:

• Ume (Japanese Plum) – Used for umeboshi (pickled plums), umeshu (plum wine), and ume juice.
• Mikan (Japanese Mandarin Orange) – Sweet and juicy citrus widely exported.
• Jabara Citrus – A rare Wakayama fruit with health benefits and high antioxidant properties.
• Peaches – Known for their delicate flavor and high sugar content.

Wakayama GingerAle Series

A premium fruit-infused ginger ale collection, featuring locally grown Wakayama ingredients:

• Shouga Marushibori Wakayama GingerAle – Made with 100% Wakayama ginger extract, providing a strong, natural ginger flavor.
• Ume Hitoshizuku Wakayama GingerAle – Infused with Wakayama’s famous ume plums, giving a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Jabara Shimitoru Wakayama GingerAle – Crafted with Jabara citrus, a rare Japanese fruit known for its refreshing taste.
• Momo Honoka Wakayama GingerAle – A delicate peach-infused ginger ale, capturing the natural sweetness of Wakayama peaches.

Specialization and Core USP

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives stands out in Japan’s agricultural sector for its commitment to sustainable farming, local empowerment, and premium quality products:

• Premium-Quality Japanese Fruits – Wakayama is Japan’s leading region for high-grade citrus and ume production.
• Traditional Meets Innovation – Combining centuries-old Japanese farming traditions with modern food processing techniques.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Agriculture – Promoting low-carbon, pesticide-free farming methods.
• Support for Small Farmers – Providing fair pricing, financial assistance, and technical training to local agricultural producers.

Financial Strength

Wakayama Prefecture’s agriculture industry contributes significantly to Japan’s economy, with an annual agricultural production value exceeding ¥200 billion (approximately $1.5 billion USD). The cooperative’s processed fruit and beverage segment continues to see strong growth, fueled by increasing international demand for Japanese specialty foods.

• Umeboshi & Ume Juice Market – Japan’s ume industry exceeds ¥50 billion annually, with Wakayama supplying over 50% of Japan’s ume.
• Citrus Fruit Industry – The mikan export market has grown 20% year-over-year, positioning Wakayama as a leading producer.
• Processed Beverage Growth – The Wakayama GingerAle series has gained popularity, contributing to Japan’s premium beverage export market.

Shipment and Export Data

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives exports Wakayama-grown agricultural products and beverages to international markets, including:

• North America – United States, Canada
• Europe – United Kingdom, Germany, France
• Asia – China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore
• Oceania – Australia, New Zealand

The cooperative partners with global importers, supermarkets, and gourmet food retailers to expand the presence of Wakayama's premium agricultural products worldwide.

Target Market

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives serves a diverse market segment, including:

• Retail Supermarkets & Specialty Grocery Stores – Supplying premium fruit beverages and traditional Japanese condiments.
• Hospitality & Foodservice Industry – Providing high-quality ume plums, citrus, and ginger-based products to luxury hotels and restaurants.
• Exporters & Distributors – Partnering with Japanese food importers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
• Health-Conscious Consumers – Offering natural, additive-free fruit drinks and ginger-based health beverages.

Capabilities

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives has built a strong operational framework to support efficient production, quality assurance, and international distribution:

• Advanced Processing Facilities – Equipped with modern fruit processing, juice extraction, and fermentation technology.
• Research & Development in Agricultural Innovation – Investing in new fruit varieties and sustainable farming techniques.
• Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management – Ensuring fresh product exports with optimized cold chain logistics.
• Sustainability & Ethical Farming Practices – Promoting environmentally friendly and socially responsible agriculture.

Certifications and Compliance

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives meets strict national and international agricultural safety standards, ensuring high food quality and consumer safety:

• JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) Certification – Guaranteeing high-quality, organically certified agricultural products.
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) – Ensuring safe food processing and handling practices.
• ISO 22000 Certification – Compliance with global food safety management standards.
• US FDA & EU Food Safety Regulations – Approved for exports to the United States and European Union markets.

Customer Testimonials

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives has received strong endorsements from food industry professionals and consumers:

• "Wakayama’s ume plums are the best in the world! Their ginger ale is a refreshing and high-quality beverage." – Importer, USA
• "The quality and authenticity of Wakayama’s agricultural products make them stand out in the global market." – Distributor, Europe
• "As a chef, I highly appreciate the rich flavors of Wakayama fruits. Their unique taste adds value to my dishes." – Executive Chef, Tokyo

Major Achievements

• Japan’s No.1 Ume Plum Producer – Leading the national ume industry, with over 50% of Japan’s ume production.
• Successful Expansion into Global Markets – Supplying high-quality fruit-based products to 20+ countries worldwide.
• Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture – Implementing eco-friendly and organic farming practices across Wakayama.
• Innovation in Traditional Food Processing – Introducing new ginger ale and citrus-infused products while preserving traditional Japanese flavors.

WAKAYAMA Japan Agricultural Cooperatives continues to strengthen its role in Japan’s agricultural sector, promoting premium-quality Wakayama-grown products, expanding global market access, and ensuring sustainable farming practices for future generations.