Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – an opportunity for the Polish food industry to develop exports to Japan

Poland’s participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is an excellent opportunity to promote Polish achievements in the food sector. The Polish food industry successfully combines centuries-old traditions with innovative technologies, offering organic and top-quality products.

Japan as an attractive market for Polish agri-food products

Japan – the world’s third largest economy with more than 124 million potential consumers – is a very promising destination for Polish food exports.

Increase in the value of food exports from Poland to the Japanese market

In 2024, the value of Polish agri-food exports to Japan reached €122.3 million, according to trade.gov.pl. The most important export categories are:

• Tobacco and tobacco products (36 pct.),
• Red meat and meat preparations (25 pct.), including frozen beef and edible beef offal,
• Feed products (7 pct.),
• Fish and fish preparations (4 pct.),
• Coffee and tea (4 pct.),
• Confectionery, cereal, dairy, fruit products (3 pct. each),
• Fruit and vegetable juices, feathers and feathers (2 pct. each).

Polish beef – EU export leader to Japanese market

Poland’s frozen beef takes a leading position among EU exporters in the Japanese market, accounting for more than 70 pct. of the EU’s total exports of the product to Japan. In 2023 Japan ranked third among non-EU countries in terms of Polish beef imports, after the UK and Israel. Poland’s beef and beef offal imports to Japan reached €28.94 million, up 9.48 pct. from the average of the past five years. Polish products meet high standards in terms of cattle welfare, quality attributes and are competitively priced.

Polish down and feather exports – success in Japan

For years, Polish down and feathers, valued for their superior quality and used in the production of quilts, pillows and winter clothing, have also enjoyed great recognition on the Japanese market. In 2022, down and feather exports from Poland to Japan reached $8.56 million. Production is mainly focused on White Kołudzka goose and Polish white Pekin duck.

In July 2024, Japan lifted the ban on the import of poultry meat and egg products from all Polish regions. The decision has opened up new opportunities for Polish poultry, which is especially important given that Poland is the largest poultry producer in the European Union and the third largest in the world.

Strategic events to support Polish food exports to Japan

Poland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka (April 13-October 13), the Polish-Japanese Export Forum (May 20) and at Foodex Japan 2025 in Tokyo (March 11-14) are strategic activities to support the development of Polish food product exports to Japan.

 Polish-Japanese Export Forum and Polish Flavors Zone

Organized by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), the Polish-Japanese Export Forum in Osaka brought together more than 300 participants – representatives of business, government institutions and media from Poland and Japan. The Forum program included panel discussions and B2B meetings. Special attention was paid to six key industries, including the agri-food industry. As part of the promotion of Polish food, a special “Polish Flavors” zone was created, presenting Japanese partners with a wide range of Polish products: meat, fruits, vegetables, sweets and beverages.

Foodex Japan 2025 fair – offer of Polish entrepreneurs

The 50th anniversary edition of Foodex Japan, one of the most important food industry exhibitions in Asia, was held in Tokyo from March 11-14, 2025.

Under the slogan “Poland Tastes Good,” Poland presented an offer from 40 entrepreneurs, including:

• poultry, fish products, caviar, seafood,
• dairy products, juices, fruit concentrates,
• coffee, liquors, vodka,
• frozen fruits and vegetables,
• premium ready meals, condiments, hummus,
• snacks, and high-quality sweets.

The 342-square-meter national stand, organized by The National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR), was very popular with visitors.

Plantation of Ideas – an exhibition in Poland Pavilion at Expo 2025

The Plantation of Ideas zone plays an important role in Poland Pavilion. It is a place for the presentation of the Polish economy, business and science, where one can observe both traditional and nature-based solutions, as well as inventions based on modern technologies and advanced algorithms. Here visitors can learn about innovative solutions shaping a sustainable future in six key sectors of the Polish economy, including the agri-food industry.

The role of liberalization of trade in agri-food products between the EU and Japan

The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in 2019, liberalized trade in agri-food products, eliminating tariffs and other trade restrictions. As a result, Polish producers have gained new export opportunities, and Polish beef has gained a strong position in the Japanese market. Currently, there is also growing interest in other Polish products, such as:

• poultry and egg products,
• premium candy and confectionery products,
• frozen fruits and vegetables, premium ready meals,
• alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages,
• organic foods and so-called health foods.

New perspectives for Polish food exporters on the Japanese market

According to Professor Chieko Nakabayashi, business development consultant at Ogasawara Global LLC, the main challenges facing Polish food producers in the Japanese market are increasing the recognition of Polish brands, establishing lasting relationships with local business partners and solving logistical problems arising from the long distance between Poland and Japan. (Polish Investment and Trade Agency webinar “Opportunity to develop your business in Japan – Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Agri-food industry”).

The development of business contacts between Polish and Japanese partners, supported by Poland’s Economic Program for Expo 2025, enables the expansion of the distribution network and the growth of exports of Polish food products to Japan. Thanks to the high quality of its products, the growing interest of Japanese consumers and favorable trade conditions, Poland is strengthening its position as a reliable and strategic partner in the food sector in the Land of the Rising Sun.