#Japan #Tokyo #local business #Buyer’s Room #Nihon

Buyer’s Room 2025 Initiative

The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives recently announced the launch of the Buyer’s Room 2025, scheduled for September. This program is designed to create significant economic ripple effects, with projections indicating an impact exceeding 186 million yen. The initiative aims to facilitate local businesses by promoting unique regional products and supporting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their sales channels.

Background of the Initiative

Since its inception in 2020, the Buyer’s Room project has followed a business-matching model focused on negotiations, resulting in a substantial 1,627 new business discussions across the first nine events. This year, organizers aim to augment the program's value by providing awards for outstanding products and bolstering business matchmaking efforts.

What is the Buyer’s Room?

The Buyer’s Room serves as a platform for small-scale businesses from various regions to address challenges in product development and market expansion. Participants have the chance to present their goods to industry buyers and chefs, bridging the gap between producers and market opportunities. By alleviating travel costs associated with traditional trade shows, this program opens up vital marketing channels without the logistical burdens.

Key Features of the Buyer’s Room 2025

1. Judging Event on September 17, 2025
Approximately 40 buyers from supermarkets, select shops, food service establishments, and other retail sectors will serve as judges. They will taste and evaluate products, creating opportunities for further negotiations. Products that receive judges' special awards will be designated for promotion in retail settings, thus generating future sales opportunities.

2. Awards and Recognition
The initiative will offer various awards, including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (tentative), the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Commissioner Award (tentative), as well as gold, silver, bronze awards, and judges' special awards. Accolades like the Minister's award will be based on votes accumulated throughout all Buyer’s Room events.

3. Market Promotion for Award-Winning Products
The business office of the program, Little World Co., Ltd., oversees a network of over 900 streamlining partners including chefs and buyers. Awarded products will be promoted through email campaigns to more than 50 distribution contacts, enhancing their market presence.

Success Stories from Buyer’s Room

The initiative has generated impressive results since 2020: 1,627 new business discussions have led to over 55 products achieving sales increases of more than 1 million yen each. Cumulatively, the initiative has created an economic impact of over 186 million yen as of January 2025.

Participation Details

• - Entry Period: July 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025.
• - Application Fees: General fees are 20,000 yen for the first item and 10,000 yen for the second item (tax included). Discounted fees for local business participants are available.
• - Judging Criteria: Out of the submitted applications, around 100 products will be selected for the judging event.

For more information and to register, visit the official Buyer’s Room website at Buyer’s Room Official Site.

Conclusion

The Buyer’s Room 2025 is set to be a significant opportunity for SMEs across the nation, providing them with a platform to showcase their products, connect with prospective buyers, and ultimately drive economic growth in their regions. Don't miss the chance to participate in this transformative event designed to enhance local commerce.

Join the movement to elevate local products to new heights!
For registration and further details, please explore the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives page.