#Japan #Wismettac #TRAILIX #Hokkaido orchard #Kyowa Town

New Beginning for Apple Production in Hokkaido

A remarkable new chapter in Hokkaido's agricultural landscape has begun with the establishment of one of the largest apple orchards in the region, spanning approximately 4 hectares. This significant development is led by TRAILIX, a joint venture between Wismettac Holdings, based in Chuo, Tokyo, and Nordex Co., Ltd., located in Kyowa, Hokkaido. The official planting event, dubbed the "Seeding Festival", took place on May 8, 2026, marking the kickoff of large-scale domestic apple production.

Celebrating New Beginnings

The event featured a ceremonial blessing from the Iwanai Shrine and attended by dignitaries, including Shinichi Narita, Mayor of Kyowa Town, and Rishi Watanabe, Senior Agricultural Manager at the Hokkaido Agricultural Administration Office. Mayor Narita expressed hope for a new chapter in local agriculture, stating, "Kyowa Town has a rich agricultural history that began with watermelon farming in 1963; I wish for the creation of a new brand of 'Kyowa Apples' through revitalization of unused farmland."

TRAILIX's President, Haruyuki Asayama, emphasized the company’s commitment to honoring the region's agricultural heritage while building for the future, embodying the term "trailblazer"—to pave the way for the next generation of farming in Kyowa.

Addressing Climate Challenges

The establishment of this orchard comes at a critical juncture as apple production in Aomori Prefecture, which accounts for approximately 60% of Japan's domestic supply, has seen a significant decline due to aging farmers and the impacts of climate change. Over the past decade alone, Aomori’s production decreased from 470,000 tons to 370,000 tons. In contrast, TRAILIX aims to lead a transformative effort in Hokkaido, which is predicted to become a major apple-growing region by the 2060s.

Kyowa Town's geographical advantages—its latitude aligning with renowned apple-producing areas like Washington State and Tyrol in Italy, combined with its proximity to the apple-centric town of Yoichi—position it favorably for large-scale mechanized apple cultivation.

Key Details:

• - Location: Around Gakuden, Kyowa Town, Iwanai District, Hokkaido
• - Cultivated Area: Approximately 4 hectares
• - Number of Saplings: Approximately 12,000 saplings
• - Production Target: 260 tons
• - Apple Varieties: Primarily Japanese varieties such as Fuji and Gunma Meigetsu

Pioneering Smart Agriculture

TRAILIX is the first fruit production corporation in Hokkaido to receive certification under the "Smart Agricultural Technology Promotion Law." As the agricultural workforce ages and labor-intensive practices become a challenge, TRAILIX plans to transition from traditional "Maruba farming"—which makes up over 95% of Japan’s apple cultivation—to high-density planting methods with a focus on reducing labor through advanced technology. The goal is to increase productivity by nearly 50% by deploying automated tractors.

Additionally, TRAILIX has teamed up with a New Zealand horticultural consulting firm to adapt innovative pruning and thinning techniques to suit local conditions, facilitating higher reproducibility of cultivation practices without relying on experienced workers alone.

Integrated Value Chain Model

The company is building an integrated value chain model that connects production, sorting, logistics, and sales—tapping into Wismettac's extensive international customer network. This market-oriented approach aims to boost both domestic supply and exports, with an emphasis on Asian markets. Starting from this initial 4-hectare orchard, TRAILIX plans to expand the area to 200 hectares by 2035 and eventually seek to cultivate 1,000 hectares across Hokkaido, creating jobs and fostering partnerships with local universities for internships to nurture local talent.

Vision for the Future

Haruyuki Asayama, President of TRAILIX, shared his vision for the future. "This initial 4 hectares represents a significant step toward establishing a world-class apple export region while respecting the agricultural history shaped by the pioneers of Hokkaido."

Hiroyuki Shinkai, Joint President of Wismettac, also remarked, "With over 110 years in food distribution globally, we aim to respond actively to Japan's agricultural challenges by embracing cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with local communities to create a sustainable agricultural future."

Company Overview: TRAILIX

• - Name: TRAILIX Co., Ltd.
• - Established: May 23, 2025
• - Location: Kyowa Town, Iwanai District, Hokkaido
• - Business Scope: The production, processing, and sale of agricultural products, alongside storage and transportation services.

TRAILIX aims to stabilize apple production in response to growing global demand while addressing Japan's agricultural challenges. Leveraging Wismettac's international market knowledge, TRAILIX is poised to make a significant impact in both domestic and export markets.