Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Nara is looking at Malaysia as a big market for Nara food products due to its large, diverse and multicultural market. Jetro Nara Chief Director Mikiko Kigawa said that it will make its first foray into Malaysia before entering other ASEAN countries.
During the recent Nara Food Fair held in Kuala Lumpur, food and beverage products of 3 companies from the Nara prefecture were featured. Nara is believed to be the birthplace of Japanese sake and many other local Japanese cuisines. It is also known to be the birthplace of Japanese culture.
The 3 companies featured during the Fair include Yamato Honey Co. Ltd, a producer of coffee, matcha and soft drinks. The company is also seeking for Halal certification within 2 years from now. The 2nd participant Ikeri Co. Ltd is a leading producer of traditional Miwa somen noodles which had a remarkable 1,200 years of history. Meanwhile, the 3rd fair participant is Ishiki Soysauce Co. Ltd which showcased its range of sauces made from vintage recipes originated from the founding Ohgata family, descendents of a samurai clan more than 400 years ago. The spokesperson added that the soy sauces are also muslim-friendly as they are sourced from organic ingredients.
