#Japan #Tokyo #Supply Chain #Seminar #Food Loss

Unlocking Solutions for Food Loss Reduction: A Seminar on Best Practices

On February 17, 2026, the Distribution Economics Research Institute will host a free hybrid seminar aimed at food industry stakeholders. Focused on tackling food waste—an issue that significantly impacts both the economy and environment—the seminar will delve into how businesses can enhance profitability while addressing this pressing challenge. With rising raw material costs and labor shortages, reducing food waste is no longer just an ethical consideration; it’s a critical business imperative.

Background of the Seminar

The reduction of food waste is intertwined with various global challenges, including environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social responsibility. Businesses are under mounting pressure to innovate, employing advanced technologies like AI for better demand forecasting and reassessing traditional business practices to minimize waste effectively. This seminar aims to educate attendees on practical and pioneering strategies that leading companies are adopting in their supply chains.

Seminar Overview and Speakers

Four major players in the food industry will take center stage at this seminar:

• - Ezaki Glico
• - Mitsubishi Foods
• - H2O Retailing
• - Lawson

These companies will share their cutting-edge and actionable initiatives for minimizing food loss across different supply chain stages, including production, wholesale, and retail. The seminar will feature a report by the Distribution Economics Research Institute, presenting recent findings on food waste and a government overview from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, along with a panel discussion.

Seminars Schedule

• - Location: Seminar Room 1, Distribution Economics Research Institute, 10th Floor, Yamawaki Building, 4-8-21 Kudansouth, Chiyoda, Tokyo, and online via Zoom.
• - Date & Time: February 17, 2026, from 13:30 to 17:20 (Doors open at 13:00).
• - Cost: Free
• - Target Audience: This event is designed for stakeholders in the food industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers, supermarkets, convenience stores, and more.
• - Registration Deadline: February 13, 2026. Apply here.

Detailed Seminar Agenda

• - 13:35 - 13:55: Mr. Manabu Suzuki, Director of Food Loss and Recycling Measures at the Ministry of Agriculture—discussing the latest governmental policies and insights.
• - 13:55 - 14:20: Reports from the Distribution Economics Research Institute on food loss reduction case studies and the progress of reviewing business practices.
• - 14:30 - 15:00: Mr. Yumio Tanaka from Ezaki Glico—highlighting their innovative practices, such as selling non-standard items and improving demand prediction through data.
• - 15:00 - 15:30: Mr. Hitoshi Nishizawa from Mitsubishi Foods—sharing their advanced initiatives including ethical consumption and food donation programs.
• - 15:30 - 16:00: Mr. Tetsuya Nishida from H2O Retailing—focused on circular resource systems developed through community activities and food waste reduction efforts.
• - 16:00 - 16:30: Mr. Kazutoshi Suzuki from Lawson—talking about customer-inclusive initiatives like AI-based demand forecasts and food donation programs.
• - 16:40 - 17:20: A panel discussion featuring the aforementioned speakers on forthcoming strategies for food waste reduction, considering consumer trends and technological innovations.

The seminar aims to equip participants with actionable insights into balancing economic growth with addressing societal issues. If you're involved in any aspect of the food industry, this is an invaluable opportunity for learning and networking.

Important Notes for Attendees

Please note that photographs and videos will be taken during the seminar for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the staff at registration.

For any inquiries, reach out to:
Distribution Economics Research Institute
Contact: Matsuzaka, Terada, Funai, Ishikawa
Address: 10F Yamawaki Building, 4-8-21 Kudansouth, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0074
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