Vinexpo Tokyo, a gateway to Japan

@Vinexpo

On 15 & 16 November 2016 in Tokyo, Vinexpo will be giving wine and spirits exporters a platform to boost their business in the Land of the Rising Sun. The event, tailored specifically to the Japanese market, will take place at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in the heart of Tokyo’s business district.

Japan, a unique and growing market

With wine consumption on the rise, the Japanese market is booming again. Wine imports in 2015 totalled 2,793,000 hectolitres, worth 176.28 billion yen (€1.41 billion), an increase of 3.6% in volume and 4.2% in value compared to 2014.

Asia’s biggest market for imported spirits and the second biggest for wine, Japan has extensive and diversified distribution channels, with 178,000 outlets spread over the archipelago.

©Vinexpo

The Japanese wine and spirits market remains a special case, however. Although it is sophisticated, mature and strongly geared towards high-end products, the business culture in Japan is very different from that of Western countries. This can sometimes make canvassing new customers a long and laborious process.

« Establishing a personal relationship with decision-makers is one of the keys to success and a valuable time-saver in this dynamic country where people have a deep respect for etiquette and hierarchy.

Whether companies want to find new customers for brands already present in Japan or are looking to break into the export market, exhibiting at Vinexpo Tokyo is a highly effective way to make the initial contact directly; which is essential to the success of any business venture in Japan. »

©Vinexpo

A tailor-made exhibition

The high demand for wine and spirits in Japan makes it a preferred destination for wine and spirits producers. Vinexpo Tokyo draws over 4,500 trade visitors from the key Japanese distribution channels thanks to a targeted promotion campaign aimed at top-level industry professionals. Visitors to the 2014 edition comprised 28% importers, 15% wholesalers, 19% Horeca buyers and 26% retailers. All key profiles for forging direct trading relationships in the Japanese market.