Guam participated in the 38th Tokyo Gourmet Show, a cross-industrial trade show where businesses showcase their products to both Japanese and overseas buyers in the food and beverage industry.
GEDA photo
TAMUNING, Guam (GEDA) — Seven Guam-based businesses recently returned from Japan where they promoted their Made in Guam products as part of a trade mission hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority and in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association.
WUSATA is a non-profit state trade regional trade group that promotes the export of U.S. food and agricultural products throughout the world from the western region of the country, including Guam.
“The innovative entrepreneurial spirit of our local companies is truly inspiring,” said Guam Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. “They serve as ambassadors of our culture as they continue to forge new pathways for collaboration between Guam and Japan.”
The trade mission provided opportunities for Guam-based businesses to secure potential retail and wholesale distribution agreements with the goal of increasing their export activities in Japan. Participating companies included Asiga, Denanche’ Guam, Everything Guam, Kingfisher’s Noni, Local Jerk Guam, The Coconut Tree Company, and The Green Turtle Coffee.
At the start of the trade mission, the Guam delegation visited Shizuoka Prefecture where they met with Shizuoka Governor Suzuki, Suguru Ban of the Shizuoka Prefecture Council and the Cross-party Parliamentary U.S. Japan Friendship League, members of the local Shizuoka government and business entities.
“We are grateful for the generosity extended to us by the companies, representatives, and governor of Shizuoka,” said Ana Won Pat-Borja of Asiga. “We witnessed how critical this time is for Guam to actively nurture relationships with places like Shizuoka and broader Japan to encourage exchanges in trade, education, and culture. With rigorous government support and strategic planning — beyond the outstanding groundwork GEDA has set — Guam has a fighting chance to open the doors for our businesses to thrive beyond our borders and at home.”
“Inspired by Shizuoka’s green tea, we are proud to highlight Noni tea as one of Guam’s specialties,” said Mihwa Kim of Kingfisher’s Noni. “We look forward to introducing our island’s unique flavors to more buyers and consumers, and to creating new opportunities for growth.”
Jeanne Bailey, U.S minister-counselor of agricultural affairs, hosted a reception for the Guam delegation at the U.S. Embassy with Japanese importers, companies, and media. The reception featured a Guam-inspired menu by Tokyo American Club Executive Chef Lindsay Gray and highlighted products of participating Guam businesses.
“From Guam to Tokyo, a bridge of flavors, traditions, and new collaborations with the USDA Agriculture Trade Office is must experience for the building blocks of the opportunities to come,” said Marvin Crisostomo of Local Jerk.
The trade mission culminated in Guam’s participation in the 38th Tokyo Gourmet Show, which is part of the larger Tokyo Gift Show. The Tokyo Gourmet Show is a cross-industrial trade show where businesses showcase their products to both Japanese and overseas buyers in the food and beverage industry.
An estimated 30,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors were in attendance for this B2B trade show focused on sustainable and premium food products.
“Our experience in Japan has inspired us to create and collaborate with the companies we have made connections with so far,” said Olivia Ferguson of Everything Guam. “We hope these collaborations will lead to more opportunities to showcase Guam as a travel destination as well as export opportunities for us.”
With the Guam delegation’s participation this year, it was the first time that U.S.-based companies have been showcased at the Tokyo Gourmet Show.
“Participating in WUSATA and GEDA trade missions has been integral to our growth as a business,” said Pika Fejeran of Denanche Guam. “Meeting new consumers on these missions allows us to see our products through their eyes, which has helped us create stronger products and branding that resonates with the new market.”
