They call it the Land of the Rising Sun, but the light of day is not the only thing rising in Japan. Over the past decade, Italian agri-food imports have increased by 51% (source: Agrifood Monitor). Important numbers that show how, despite the geographical and cultural distance between our countries, Japan remains one of the top nations in the world that appreciates Made in Italy, especially regarding Food & Beverage.

It represents the fifth market in the world for the export of Italian food products and the opportunities are on the rise since the Jefta (Japan-EU Free Trade Agreement) entered into force on February 1, 2019. This is the free trade agreement between Japan and the European Union, which will lead to a significant reduction in tariffs on important Italian food & wine products, as well as the mutual recognition of agri-food brands with Geographical Indication.

The European certifications PGI and PDO are the protagonists of the last Nipponese success of I Love Italian Food.

In collaboration with the Consortia for Protection, on the 3 of July we presented three products that greatly represent the Italian tradition of processed pork: Mortadella Bologna PGI, Cotechino Modena PGI and Salame Cacciatore PDO.

Integrating into the Japanese market is no small feat and the first step in getting our products appreciated is to introduce them to local consumers. This is why the city of Yokohama was the setting for a workshop led by a true ambassador of Italian cuisine: Adriana Vallone, a teacher of Italian culinary arts for over 20 years in Japan, and founder of the La Mia Italia cooking school, in Tokyo. Attending the event was an audience of 100 local catering professionals who listened to the enchanting history of these three Made in Italy products that are certified and promoted by the EU.

Chefs and restaurateurs have had the opportunity to learn not only about the origins, characteristics and nutritional values of these Italian excellences, but also to discover the correct uses and combinations. A journey through history and tastings in which, unexpectedly, Cotechino Modena PGI was declared the most appreciated product by the Japanese.

A new success in a strategic country like Japan, realized with the support of the Consortium of Protection of Mortadella Bologna PGI, Cotechino Modena PGI and Salame Cacciatore PDO, in regards to the European Union funded project Arigat-EU, the authentic deli meat from Europe, of which I Love Italian Food is a promoter.

Watch the video to see Japanese chefs grappling with our deli meats!