Top 10 Upcoming Food Trade Shows in Japan (2026–2027)

1. FOODEX Japan

Founded: 1976
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Next edition: 9–12 March 2027
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• global food exports

• beverages and ingredients

• packaged foods

• food logistics and supply solutions

Operational Relevance

FOODEX Japan remains the largest international food trade exhibition in the country. Thousands of exhibitors from dozens of countries attend each year to present new products, ingredients and supply solutions to Japanese importers and retailers. For international suppliers, FOODEX often represents the first major entry point into Japan’s competitive food market.

The exhibition functions as a central meeting point for distributors, supermarket buyers and foodservice operators. National pavilions organised by export agencies highlight regional products and new food innovations targeting Asian retail markets.

Market Position

Within the Asian exhibition landscape FOODEX Japan is widely recognised as a leading sourcing platform for international food trade. The event’s international participation distinguishes it from most domestic food fairs and gives retailers access to global product pipelines.

Strategic Direction

Recent editions have expanded focus on sustainable food production, plant-based innovation and digital supply chain technologies. These developments reflect changing consumer preferences and the growing importance of efficient food distribution systems.

2. Supermarket Trade Show

Founded: 1967
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 17–19 February 2027
Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba

Core Segments

• packaged food suppliers

• private label manufacturing

• supermarket logistics

• retail merchandising solutions

Operational Relevance

The Supermarket Trade Show is one of Japan’s most retail-oriented exhibitions. The event focuses directly on the needs of grocery retailers and their supplier networks. Exhibitors present packaged foods, ready meals, beverages and retail service solutions designed specifically for supermarket distribution.

Retail buyers attend the exhibition to evaluate suppliers, explore new product lines and identify potential private label partners.

Market Position

The event’s strong focus on supermarket procurement distinguishes it from broader food exhibitions. As a result it attracts significant participation from food manufacturers seeking direct access to grocery retail channels.

Strategic Direction

The exhibition continues to expand into areas such as digital retail technology, sustainability initiatives and supply chain optimisation.

3. JFEX Summer

Founded: 2021
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Next edition: 24–26 June 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• imported food products

• gourmet packaged foods

• beverages and specialty ingredients

Operational Relevance

JFEX was launched to strengthen Japan’s role as a gateway for international food imports. The exhibition connects overseas producers with Japanese wholesalers, distributors and retailers seeking premium food products.

For suppliers targeting Japan’s high-value food market, JFEX offers a focused platform to present products directly to purchasing teams.

Market Position

Despite being relatively new, the exhibition has gained strong participation from international food exporters and regional distributors.

Strategic Direction

JFEX continues to expand through specialised editions focusing on wine, premium foods and fresh products.

4. Japan’s Food Export Fair

Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 24–26 June 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• Japanese food exports

• packaged foods

• traditional food products

Operational Relevance

The exhibition is designed specifically to connect Japanese food producers with international buyers. Importers, distributors and wholesalers from overseas attend to discover products suitable for export markets.

Market Position

Supported by government trade organisations, the event plays an important role in promoting Japan’s food export strategy.

Strategic Direction

Growing international demand for Japanese cuisine continues to expand the relevance of export-focused food exhibitions.

5. FABEX

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• ready meals

• food ingredients

• processing technologies

Operational Relevance

FABEX connects food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and ready-meal producers. Many packaged food innovations later appearing in supermarkets originate from product development collaborations presented at the exhibition.

Market Position

The event serves as a bridge between upstream food manufacturing and downstream retail distribution.

Strategic Direction

Functional ingredients, sustainability and efficient food production technologies remain key areas of focus.

6. FOOD STYLE Japan Tokyo

Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 30 September–2 October 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• foodservice supply

• packaged foods

• beverages and ingredients

Operational Relevance

FOOD STYLE Japan brings together suppliers serving both retail and foodservice sectors. The exhibition highlights ready-meal products, food ingredients and beverages targeting commercial distribution channels.

Market Position

Its mixed retail and foodservice focus provides suppliers with access to multiple distribution networks.

Strategic Direction

Convenience foods, ready meals and efficient supply chains remain central themes.

7. Japan International Seafood Show

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 19–21 August 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• seafood products

• aquaculture technology

• marine food processing

Operational Relevance

Seafood remains a core component of Japan’s food supply chain. The exhibition brings together fishing companies, seafood processors and retail buyers.

Market Position

It is the largest seafood-focused trade exhibition in Japan.

Strategic Direction

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture innovation are increasingly central to the event.

8. Agrifood Expo Tokyo

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 19–20 August 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• fresh produce

• agricultural products

• regional food specialties

Operational Relevance

Agrifood Expo connects farmers and food producers with wholesalers and retailers.

Market Position

The exhibition highlights Japan’s domestic agricultural supply chain.

Strategic Direction

Food security and regional agricultural production remain major topics.

9. Premium Food Show

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• vegan foods

• halal products

• gluten-free foods

• organic food

Operational Relevance

Premium Food Show focuses on dietary-specific categories growing in global retail markets.

Market Position

The event provides suppliers with access to buyers exploring specialty product ranges.

Strategic Direction

Plant-based and certified food products continue to expand within premium retail segments.

10. Anuga Select Japan

Founded: 2024
Headquarters: Cologne / Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

• international packaged foods

• frozen foods

• beverages

Operational Relevance

Anuga Select Japan connects international suppliers with Japanese distributors and retailers.

Market Position

The exhibition benefits from its association with the global Anuga food trade show network.

Strategic Direction

Alternative proteins, sustainable food production and health-focused products are emerging themes.

Structural Analysis: Japan as an Asian Food Trade Hub

Japan’s food trade exhibition ecosystem reflects the country’s complex distribution networks. Retailers rely heavily on importer–wholesaler systems, meaning trade exhibitions act as meeting points where suppliers and buyers establish relationships before products enter the retail market.

Many international brands entering Japan first appear at exhibitions such as FOODEX or JFEX. These events allow producers to evaluate consumer preferences and build distribution partnerships.

The clustering of multiple exhibitions in Tokyo also reflects the central role the city plays in Japan’s food trade. Tokyo Big Sight hosts several events each year because of its accessibility for domestic and international visitors.

Structural Analysis: Trade Events and Supermarket Procurement

Supermarket buyers frequently attend trade exhibitions to monitor emerging product categories. Ready meals, plant-based foods, specialty diets and imported beverages often appear at exhibitions before entering retail shelves.

Trade events provide a controlled environment where retailers can evaluate suppliers, compare product offerings and negotiate distribution agreements.

For suppliers, the exhibitions reduce the complexity of entering Japan’s retail market by concentrating purchasing teams in a single location.

Structural Analysis: International Suppliers and Market Entry

Japan remains one of the largest premium food markets in Asia. However, its retail system can be challenging for new entrants due to complex distribution structures and strict product standards.

Trade exhibitions therefore function as entry platforms where suppliers can introduce products to distributors and wholesalers.

Participation in these events allows companies to test demand, understand regulatory requirements and identify potential partners.

Conclusion

Editor’s Note: Information in this article is based on publicly available reports and official event materials published by exhibition organisers. Dates reflect the most recent schedules announced at the time of writing.