#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable Products #Food Shift #Agriculture Ministry

The Launch of FOOD SHIFT Selection: Honoring Sustainable Food Products

In an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable food systems, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has announced the creation of the FOOD SHIFT Selection award system. This program aligns with the revised Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas, which emphasizes the importance of sustainability in Japan’s food industry. The call for entries officially opens on July 15, 2025, and aims to recognize and celebrate products that contribute to a more sustainable food environment.

About FOOD SHIFT Selection

The FOOD SHIFT Selection recognizes outstanding products that contribute to sustainability through four critical perspectives:
1. Promotion of local consumption: Focused on expanding the market for domestically produced agricultural and marine products.
2. Green food system strategy: Products that promote ecological practices in farming and food production.
3. Family reserves: Items that contribute to expanding household food storage products, ensuring availability during emergencies.
4. Inbound consumption: Focused on products that appeal to international tourists.

Winning products will not only receive awards but will be promoted via extensive networks, including the Supermarket Trade Show 2026, a major event in the grocery retail sector. Additionally, award-winning products will have the privilege of using the FOOD SHIFT Selection logo, enhancing their market visibility.

The final winners, including both the Excellent Award and the Grand Prize, will be honored in a ceremony slated for November 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for Applications

To participate, businesses engaged in the processing of agricultural products must be registered as partners of the Nihon Food Shift initiative. Notably, new applicants can still register and enter the competition. The products eligible for the award must fall under one of the following four categories:

• - Local consumption: Products primarily made from domestic ingredients or clearly labeled as local produce.
• - Green initiatives: Items such as organic products or those carrying environmental performance labels.
• - Household food storage: Items like long-shelf-life or freeze-dried foods suitable for emergency food reserves.
• - Tourist appeal: Foods that attract inbound tourists, available at local airports or duty-free stores.

Eligible products can include a wide range of food items, including grains, vegetables, fruits, livestock products, seafood, seasonings, processed foods, and beverages.

Selection and Evaluation Process

The evaluation process involves three stages:
1. First Screening: A review of written submissions, from which 1,000 nominees will be selected.
2. Second Screening: Further evaluation to choose 100 finalists based on category-specific criteria.
3. Final Screening: A tasting and judging event where 10 products will be awarded the Grand Prize.

The evaluation committee consists of distinguished members from the food industry, including representatives from major retail chains, consulting firms, and culinary experts.

Application Process

Interested parties can submit their applications through a designated page starting from July 15, 2025, until September 5, 2025. All applicants will be notified of the results by late October.

For any inquiries, the FOOD SHIFT Selection Secretariat can be reached at the Tokyo address listed above, with operational hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during weekdays.

Special Website for FOOD SHIFT Selection

For more details, including application forms and guidelines, visit the official FOOD SHIFT Selection page at FOOD SHIFT Selection site.

Join us in celebrating and promoting the best of Japan’s sustainable food products.