#Japan #Tokyo #hospitality #Infomart #JTB Group

Revolutionizing Ingredient Procurement in the Hospitality Sector

In March 2025, Infomart Corporation launched a pioneering 'Marketplace for Hotels and Ryokans', aimed at revolutionizing the procurement of ingredients within Japan's hospitality industry. This innovative platform connects accommodation facilities with producers and food processing companies, streamlining the procurement process and enhancing productivity. Infomart Corporation, led by CEO Ken Nakashima and based in Minato, Tokyo, is committed to utilizing digital technologies to optimize various operations in this sector.

This marketplace, made possible through a strategic partnership with JTB Group's subsidiary, JTB Ryokan Business, has seen tremendous uptake. In just six months, over 200 businesses, including around 100 hotels and 100 suppliers, have joined the platform, showcasing significant interest and engagement among key industry players.

What is the Marketplace for Hotels and Ryokans?

Launched in March 2025, the 'Marketplace for Hotels and Ryokans' serves as a digital meeting point for hotels and various food producers across Japan. This platform is designed not just to improve procurement efficiency but also to foster the growth of businesses within the industry. In doing so, hotels can streamline their sourcing processes, while producers can access new trading opportunities, expanding their reach and facilitating easier transactions.

Through this collaboration with JTB Ryokan Business, new registrations have surged across hospitality facilities and food producers. The platform's growth signifies a shift in how ingredients are sourced and procured within the hospitality realm, advancing the digital transformation of this crucial sector.

Value Offered to the Hospitality Industry

The 'Marketplace for Hotels and Ryokans' provides numerous benefits to hotels and food producers, enhancing their operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction:

Benefits for Hotels:

• - Access to Quality Ingredients: Hotels can procure high-quality ingredients from various producers at fair prices, ensuring a diverse menu offering.
• - Optimized Supply Chains: With efficient selection and negotiation processes, hotels can maintain robust supply lines while reducing procurement costs.
• - Time Savings: The digital platform minimizes the time spent on ordering, allowing staff to focus on enhancing guest experiences.
• - Improved Cooking Efficiency: By introducing the latest ingredients, hotels can streamline their cooking and preparation processes.

Benefits for Food Producers:

• - Expanded Customer Base: This marketplace allows food producers to tap into the lucrative hospitality market, opening new sales channels.
• - Geographical Freedom: Local producers can reach a national market, breaking geographical constraints and driving sales growth.
• - Stable Trade Opportunities: Producers can establish stable trading volumes, enabling better price control and consistent revenue flows.

In addition to the basic features, the platform offers thematic sections such as 'Wagyu Beef Specials' and 'Breakfast Specials', enabling producers and hotels to explore and propose ingredients more effectively. Feedback indicates that procurement managers have found it easier to engage with new proposals, affirming the efficacy of digitalizing procurement operations.

Customer Feedback

Here are some testimonials from businesses utilizing the marketplace:

• - Hotel Santoryu in Kyoto: Struggled to find local ingredients that created a unique guest experience. They successfully sourced 'Yuzu Eggs' through the platform and improved their breakfast offerings.
• - Holonic Corporation: Needed a healthy, low-lot food supply; found value in tailored offerings through the platform, leading to a swift purchase decision.
• - Takada Corporation: Faced challenges breaking into the hospitality industry; leveraged the marketplace for insights into buyer needs, resulting in successful sales.
• - Sanritsu Engineering: Aiming to broaden their market reach, they executed their first successful online transaction shortly after joining the platform.

These success stories highlight the significant impact of the 'Marketplace for Hotels and Ryokans' in facilitating business deals and establishing essential trade relationships.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Infomart and JTB Ryokan Business plan to expand thematic content and share successful case studies to further fuel the digital transformation of ingredient procurement. They will also work to connect local specialties with hospitality facilities, promoting local economies and supporting sustainability initiatives aligned with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities.

The 'BtoB Platform for Negotiations' aims to create efficient transactions between food sellers and buyers, opening up new business opportunities. With over 10,000 businesses on board by October 2025, this platform is uniquely positioned to accelerate growth in the hospitality sector, ensuring that both producers and buyers benefit from enhanced digital capabilities.

For more information on the marketplace and its offerings, visit Infomart's website.

Company Overview

Infomart Corporation

• - CEO: Ken Nakashima
• - Head office: 13th Floor, Shiodome Shibaura Building, 1-2-3 Kaigan, Minato, Tokyo
• - Established: February 13, 1998
• - Company Website

JTB Ryokan Business

• - CEO: Mitsuhiko Miyazaki
• - Head office: 3-37-4 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: February 15, 1968
• - Company Website