Expo 2025 Osaka: Japan is the New Frontier for Italian Food
Expo 2025 Osaka brings the spotlight back to Japan as a new frontier for Italian food. In an increasingly uncertain global context, marked by fluctuations in the U.S. market and trade tensions involving tariffs and protectionism, Japan emerges as a stable, solid destination full of opportunities for Made in Italy excellence.
The potential of the Made in Italy Agribusiness Sector in Japan
Italian food has an outstanding reputation in Japan: quality, authenticity, food safety and cultural value are attributes recognized and sought by Japanese consumers, who are known to be very conscious of the origin and processing of products. Italian pasta, olive oil, cheeses, wines, cured meats and desserts are appreciated by the Japanese public in a way that goes far beyond fashion or gastronomic curiosity: Italy, by common perception, represents a lifestyle and culinary heritage of absolute excellence.
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
What further strengthened this relationship was the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in 2019. Thanks to this agreement:
- Many customs duties on European food products, including those from Italy, have been lowered or phased out.
- Protected Geographical Indications (PDOs and PGIs) are now protected in Japan, offering concrete protection to high-quality products against imitations and unfair competition.
- Various customs procedures have been simplified, improving customs clearance times and reducing bureaucratic costs.
The challenges of the Japanese Market and how to Penetrate it
Nevertheless, there are also many challenges: the Japanese market is highly regulated, extremely demanding in terms of quality, packaging, certifications and adjustment to local tastes. In addition, international competition is very strong, particularly from French, Spanish, and American manufacturers.
For these reasons, approaching the Japanese market without a clear strategy and proper support can be risky. It is essential to rely on specialized structures with established networks and in-depth knowledge of local business and cultural dynamics. This is the only way to turn an opportunity into real and lasting success.
Roncucci&Partners at Expo 2025 Osaka: a Concrete Support for Businesses
Expo 2025 Osaka will be an exceptional showcase for Made in Italy: being prepared from now with the right approach can make the difference for Italian companies that want to conquer, with competence and vision, one of the most fascinating and complex markets in the world.
For this reason, Roncucci&Partners, with a long experience in guiding Italian companies in international markets, will be present at Expo 2025 Osaka: to support companies that want to seize the opportunities offered by the Japanese market. Through a structured approach, a network of established relationships and a deep knowledge of local commercial and cultural dynamics, Roncucci&Partners supports companies in every phase of the internationalization path: from market analysis to partner search, from the management of customs procedures to brand promotion.
In a market as competitive and refined as Japan’s, being there is not enough: you need to know how to present yourself properly.
Relying on those who know the market and how to enhance Made in Italy means turning an investment into a concrete success.
Do you want information about the opportunities in Japan during Expo 2025 Osaka and enter the world of Southeast Asia? Send an email to s.occhialini@roncucciandpartners.com
