Chiayi City Cuisine Trade Show in Tokyo Creates NT$31.55 Million in Business Opportunities

The "2018 Tokyo International Food Exhibition (FOODEX JAPAN 2018)" recently came to a successful close. Following its first participation last year (ROC year 106), the Chiayi City Government again led 8 high-quality manufacturers from its jurisdiction to Japan this year, focusing on the Chiayi brand and vigorously promoting food and tourism. During the 4-day exhibition, 690 professional buyers visited, and the estimated order value after the show reached as high as NT$31.55 million. Liu Li-Chang Chicken Rice, participating for the second time, even brought good news of a confirmed store opening. The classic deliciousness of Chiayi chicken rice is about to be recreated in Saitama Prefecture, Tokyo!

On the morning of the 26th, a results press conference was held on the 8th floor of the city government building. Mayor Twu Shiing-Jer and representatives of the 8 participating businesses - Hsu Family Bakery Co., Ltd., Mei Ju Ke Fresh Fruit Yogurt Specialty Store, Ming Cheng Hsuan Enterprise, Apple Manor Co., Ltd., Natural Farm Enterprise, Liu Li-Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant, as well as first-time exhibitors Yi Cha Gong Fang and Sakura Leaf - shared their exhibition experiences and reported the good news.

"Step out of Taiwan, head toward the international stage!" Mayor Twu Shiing-Jer said in his speech that the Tokyo International Food Exhibition has been held since its first edition in 1976 and is one of the top three professional food exhibitions in the world. This year, a total of 2,412 exhibitors from 65 countries participated, with 72% of manufacturers coming from overseas.

Mayor Twu Shiing-Jer emphasized that last year he personally led the team to Tokyo to exhibit, successfully firing the first shot, and he was very happy that in less than a month this year, they achieved such a great result of over NT$30 million. He hoped the city council would support the city government in continuing to assist businesses in marketing to overseas markets and enhancing the international visibility of local specialty foods.

"A street stall can go to Tokyo to participate in a food exhibition!" Liu Li-Chang Chicken Rice said with a laugh that after one trip there, they gained many new Japanese customers. This year, in addition to being invited to exhibit at the Kobe Culture Festival, they also plan to open a store in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, exporting to Japan in frozen packaged form, paired with delicious Japanese rice, with each bowl of chicken rice priced at about 600 to 700 Japanese yen.