TOKYO, JAPAN – USA Rice members and staff traveled here last week to meet with trade and promotions partners. Japan was the largest rice export market last year based on value, at more than $360 million.
During a meeting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, a framed letter from Ambassador George Glass was presented to Yumi Kojima in recognition of her achievements for U.S. rice exports and celebrating her retirement. Kojima-san has been USA Rice’s contractor for nearly three decades, conducting successful promotions in Japan and helping to develop demand for U.S. rice.
The Japan Cooked Rice Association and All Japan Chefs Association met with the delegation to share their thoughts on Calrose rice and noted some changes in the domestic market such as the foodservice industry now sourcing directly with farmers. The group also met with Zenbeihan, the Rice Wholesaler’s Association, and discussed the current and upcoming crop outlook for California.
“Meeting with trade partners—including importers, wholesalers, and industry officials—is a critical component of our work,” said Chris Crutchfield, a California rice miller and chair of the USA Rice Asia & Turkey Promotion Subcommittee. “During our visit to Japan, we were able to share updates about our crop and gain valuable insight into current domestic demand. We were also pleased to extend our congratulations, gratitude, and best wishes to Kojima-san on her well-deserved retirement.”