Food Tech Council's First Meeting to Promote Upcycled Food Awareness

Promoting Upcycled Food Awareness

On November 4, 2025, the Food Tech Council's Upcycled Food Working Team (WT) will hold its first annual meeting at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. This event is designed to accelerate the social implementation of upcycled food, which transforms unused food into valued products. The initiative aims to enhance awareness and promote collaboration among various players within the food industry.

Background of the Initiative

In recent years, efforts to address food waste have gained momentum; however, awareness of upcycling remains low, at approximately 10%. The primary mission of the WT is to tackle challenges faced by both consumers and businesses while integrating upcycled food into everyday life. By acting as a foundation for public-private collaboration, the WT will work alongside the Upcycled Food Association (provisional) to drive educational initiatives and share knowledge regarding regulatory frameworks and practical information within the industry.

Currently, the WT was launched with contributions from leading companies including ASTRA FOOD PLAN, Oisix Ra Daichi, Orizé Co., and Green Ace Co. Since its inception, 48 companies have expressed interest in participating, indicating a strong commitment to cross-industry efforts.

Future Initiatives

The WT is set to promote four key initiatives to enhance the social recognition of upcycled food:
1. Definition Formation: Clarifying the definition of upcycled food to increase public understanding.
2. Certification System Establishment: Developing a reliable certification process for both consumers and businesses to facilitate easier selection of compliant upcycled foods.
3. Business Environment Enhancement: Collaborating on regulatory frameworks related to industrial waste and food safety to promote the use of unused resources.
4. Awareness Expansion: Implementing various communication strategies, including case studies, member networking, and joint promotional events to boost awareness of upcycled food.

Details of the First Annual Meeting

Overview and Agenda

The annual meeting aims to introduce upcoming initiatives and facilitate member networking by discussing upcycling from the perspectives of industry, government, and academia. Strong partnerships have formed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of the Environment, culminating in this inaugural event.

Attendees can expect showcases of the latest upcycled food products, along with tasting opportunities. A pitching session will feature representatives from company partners such as Cladashi and Oisix Ra Daichi.

Event Details

- Name: First Annual Meeting of the Food Tech Council's Upcycled Food Working Team
- Host: Upcycled Food Working Team, Food Tech Council
- Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (registration starts at 10:30 AM)
- Venue: Kaikoukan, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu Campus, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Fee: Free (prior registration is required)

Participants who are not WT members are welcome, with options for online participation.

Directions

- Access: 12 minutes on foot from Kitafuchu Station via the JR Musashino Line, 10 minutes by bus from Kokubunji Station via the JR Chuo Line, or 7 minutes by bus from Fuchu Station on the Keio Line.

Program Structure

The meeting will be divided into three parts:

- Part 1 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Reports on the activities of the Upcycled Food Working Team, including introductions from various members and government representatives discussing food waste initiatives.
- Part 2 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Presentations from businesses engaged in upcycled food initiatives.
- Part 3 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Tasting of upcycled products and networking opportunities.

Registration

To register, please visit the following link: Registration Form

Through these concerted efforts, the WT seeks to elevate the profile of upcycled food and foster a more sustainable food ecosystem.