The Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market is one of Japan’s most important food distribution centers, providing high-quality seafood, fresh produce, meat, and processed foods to retailers, restaurants, and food service businesses. Located in Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, the market plays a vital role in ensuring a steady supply of fresh and safe food to the region.
Core Business
The Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market operates as a key hub for food distribution, specializing in:
- Seafood Trading – A wide selection of fresh and frozen seafood, including both local and imported products.
- Fresh Produce Distribution – High-quality fruits and vegetables sourced from Japan and abroad.
- Meat Wholesale – Various fresh and processed meat products.
- Other Goods – Flowers, processed foods, and specialty products.
Market Operations
- Operates as a wholesale market, connecting producers with retailers and food service businesses.
- Handles a vast volume of fresh food products daily, ensuring efficient logistics and distribution.
- Works with auction-based sales methods to ensure fair pricing and transparency.
- Utilizes modern refrigeration and logistics technology to maintain food freshness and quality.
Specialization and Core USP
- Premier Seafood Distribution Hub – One of Japan’s top seafood wholesale markets.
- Strict Food Safety Standards – Ensuring compliance with Japanese food regulations.
- Advanced Logistics & Storage Facilities – Equipped with cold chain infrastructure.
- Supports Local and International Trade – Connecting Japanese producers with global markets.
Market Scale and Performance
- Japan’s wholesale food market industry exceeds ¥10 trillion ($75 billion) annually, with Yokohama Market playing a crucial role.
- Hundreds of food wholesalers and distributors operate within the market.
- Supports Yokohama’s population of over 3.7 million and businesses across the Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Annual seafood trade volume ranks among the top in the region.
Target Market
- Supermarkets & Retailers – Sourcing high-quality fresh food for local and international markets.
- Restaurants & Hotels – Providing premium seafood, meat, and produce to the food service industry.
- Food Exporters & Importers – Serving as a distribution hub for international food trade.
- Flower & Processed Goods Buyers – Offering a variety of non-perishable food and floral products.
Certifications and Compliance
- Japan Food Safety Standards – Ensuring all food products meet strict national hygiene and safety regulations.
- Cold Chain Logistics Compliance – Maintaining quality through controlled storage and transportation.
- Fair Trade & Transparent Pricing Mechanisms – Regulated auction system for fair transactions.
Major Achievements
- One of Japan’s largest and most important food wholesale markets.
- A key contributor to Yokohama’s economic and food supply infrastructure.
- Supports both domestic and international food trade, linking Japan with global food markets.
- Constant modernization and adoption of advanced logistics and food handling technologies.
The Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market continues to play a vital role in food distribution, supporting businesses, ensuring food safety, and promoting trade both within Japan and globally.
