ELLYT @ FOODEX Japan: How we approach the Japanese market

This year we again participated in the FOODEX Japan trade fair — one of Asia's largest food and beverage industry meetings.

This was our second year in a row, and compared to the last time, we were significantly better prepared — both in terms of production volume, pricing, and brand.

Japan is not an easy market.
But this is a market where details matter — and that's why it's so exciting.

Below we share three important thoughts from our experience 👇

1.⁠ ⁠How to enter the Japanese market?

Entering the Japanese market is not just about “putting a product on sale”.

This means:
• correct pricing
• production capacity
• and above all, strategy

The biggest lesson for us was that decisions made too quickly — especially when it comes to pricing — can have painful consequences later.

We also realized that the brand had to be ready before starting to collaborate with large retail chains.

👉 Watch the video for more details:

2.⁠ ⁠In Japan, you don't sell a product — you sell an experience

In Japan, packaging plays a completely different role.

Even strawberries are sold individually wrapped — like gifts.

This means that:
👉 visual = value
👉 packaging = emotion

For ELLYT, we specifically created a striking “mango rose” concept that helped us stand out on the shelf.

Our recommendation:
When entering the Japanese market, start with a product that looks like a gift.

👉 Watch the video for more details:

3.⁠ ⁠What is behind the ELLYT brand?

ELLYT was not created simply as a new snack brand.

Our goal is to highlight the true value of fruits and vegetables.

This means:
• cooperation with farmers
• cooperation with food scientists
• and focus on truly nutrient-rich products

We want to make healthy choices easy — everyday.

👉 Watch the video for more details:

What will we take with us from Japan?

• The market is large, but demanding
• Trust and quality are critical
• Details (especially packaging) determine a lot
• Rushing can do more harm than good

The most important:
👉 the brand must be strong before you scale

What next?

FOODEX gave us valuable contacts and confirmed that we were moving in the right direction.

ELLYT is ready to take the next steps in export markets today — more aware, with a stronger brand and a clearer focus.