Canadian Pork Tops Imports in Japan After 40 Years

Canadian pork has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the top imported pork in Japan for the first time in over 40 years. This achievement was celebrated during a recent trade mission to Japan, which took place in March 2024 and included visits to both Osaka and Tokyo.

Toby Tschetter, Chair of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, led a delegation that represented a diverse cross-section of Canada’s pork industry. “Our delegation consisted of 19 members, representing producers from every provincial organization across Canada, as well as processors and traders,” Tschetter stated. This comprehensive representation underscored the collective effort to enhance the visibility of Canadian pork in the Japanese market.

Tschetter emphasized the importance of such trade missions in building strong relationships with Japanese retailers and consumers. “These missions provide invaluable market intelligence, allowing us to receive in-depth briefings from our customers,” he explained. Understanding local business practices, regulations, and consumer preferences is crucial for success in international markets.

Strengthening Ties and Increasing Visibility

The trade mission aimed to enhance the profile of Canadian pork and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Canada and Japan. Tschetter noted that being part of an official delegation significantly boosts credibility in a foreign market. “Making a strong first impression is crucial to our customers,” he said.

Strengthening bilateral trade agreements and encouraging foreign direct investment are key objectives of these missions. Tschetter remarked on the extensive work that has been done to foster a robust relationship with Japan. “Japan is what we call a success story for Canada,” he asserted. “We’ve established a reputation based on food safety, quality, and security. The Japanese consumer values our food safety and food quality programs highly.”

During the trip, delegates participated in various activities, beginning their mission in Osaka at Expo 2025. The Canadian Pork Council and Canada Pork hosted an event at the Canadian Pavilion, which featured a cutting demonstration and sampling of Canadian pork. These activities allowed delegates to showcase the quality of Canadian products and engage with potential customers.

The latter part of the trip was spent in Tokyo, where the delegation attended a media conference at the Canadian Embassy. This gathering provided another platform to promote Canadian pork and reinforce the message of quality and safety that Canadian producers uphold.

Overall, the successful trade mission underscores the significance of Canadian pork in the Japanese market and highlights the ongoing efforts to build strong international relationships. With Canadian pork now leading imports in Japan, the future looks promising for the industry as it continues to navigate global markets.