Tokyo’s Foodex Japan, the country’s largest agri-food trade show, returns for its 50th edition from March 11 to 14, with Italian dairy producers poised to play a prominent role. As Japanese consumers develop a growing appetite for high-quality Italian cheeses, Italy’s exports to Japan continue to rise.
“The need to embrace free trade and dismantle tariff and non-tariff barriers has never been greater,” said Paolo Zanetti, president of Assolatte, Italy’s dairy industry association. “With U.S. trade policies threatening to curtail access to a key market, there is a real risk of global knock-on effects.”
Italy’s dairy sector has expanded steadily for over two decades, buoyed by exports that have driven revenue growth, employment, and supply chain resilience. Sustainability has also become a growing focus, reinforcing the industry’s long-term viability.
JAPAN: A STRATEGIC MARKET FOR ITALIAN DAIRY
Japan has become an increasingly important destination for Italian dairy products. In 2024, Italy exported 12,700 tonnes of cheese to the country, valued at €106.9 million (€114.3 million including other dairy products), marking a 14% rise in volume and an 11% increase in value year on year.
These figures consolidate Japan’s position as Italy’s second-largest non-EU dairy market by volume and third by value. Demand has been particularly strong for mozzarella (+23%), burrata and ricotta (+36%), grated cheeses (+87%), and Grana Padano PDO and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO (+12%).
ITALY STRENGTHENS ITS FOOTPRINT AT FOODEX 2025
Italy is now Japan’s largest EU dairy supplier, accounting for 9% of the country’s total cheese imports. At Foodex 2025, Italian producers—supported by institutions such as the ITA – Italian Trade Agency—will be well represented, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing the sector’s growing influence in the market.
L’articolo The 50th edition of Foodex Japan opens in Tokyo proviene da Italianfood.net.
