Launch of HALAL ICHIBA: Japan's Largest BtoB E-commerce Site for Halal Food

The Launch of HALAL ICHIBA: A New Era for Halal Food Supply in Japan

On April 17, 2025, Tradi Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, unveiled HALAL ICHIBA, the largest BtoB e-commerce platform in Japan specifically catering to halal certified and Muslim-friendly foods. With its focus on providing a comprehensive selection of halal products, HALAL ICHIBA aims to meet the increasing demand from restaurants, retailers, and supermarkets across the country.

Addressing Market Needs

The global Muslim population is estimated to reach approximately 2 billion, accounting for about 30% of the world population by 2030. As the number of Muslim tourists visiting Japan grows alongside the rising Muslim population residing in the country, the demand for halal foods is escalating. However, the current B2B distribution landscape for halal products in Japan faces several challenges:

- There is a lack of systematic sources for information on where to source halal certified food and from which manufacturers.
- Existing distribution channels have restricted product ranges, making it difficult for businesses to create diverse menus and product offerings.
- The distinction between halal certification and Muslim-friendly products is often unclear, complicating decision-making for businesses.

By launching HALAL ICHIBA, Tradi aims to address these issues and expand the BtoB distribution of halal foods in Japan.

Overview of HALAL ICHIBA

Service Name: HALAL ICHIBA
Website: halalichiba.com
Service Type: BtoB e-commerce (online procurement site for businesses)
Target Customers: Restaurants, retailers, and food businesses
Product Range: Approximately 220 items (as of April 2026)
Number of Participating Manufacturers: Over 12
Main Categories: Condiments, sauces, soy sauce, miso, vinegar, halal meat (beef and chicken), processed meat, dairy products, tea, ice cream, pre-cooked foods, tofu, and caviar.
Launch Date: April 17, 2026
Operating Company: Tradi Co., Ltd.

Key Features of HALAL ICHIBA

1. Comprehensive Platform for Halal Certified Foods:
HALAL ICHIBA exclusively lists halal certified foods, allowing businesses to order with confidence without having to verify individual certifications.

2. Diverse Product Line-Up:
The platform boasts a variety of around 220 items, including halal soy sauce from Kikkoman, halal Omi beef, and various halal chicken products, all curated from trusted Japanese sources.

3. Flexible Ordering Options:
HALAL ICHIBA accommodates both small trial purchases for restaurants and bulk orders for retailers, enabling businesses to customize their orders based on their size and needs.

4. Resource for Halal Knowledge:
The site features a news and column section that educates businesses on halal certification processes and essential knowledge to facilitate their transition into offering halal products.

Commentary from the Project Leader

Teppei Hattori, the head of HALAL ICHIBA at Tradi, expressed the pressing need for solutions concerning the procurement of halal foods. He highlighted that many restaurants and retailers are uncertain about where and how to obtain halal products effectively. He believes that despite the booming halal market due to increasing inbound demand and international trade, access to reliable information and trustworthy suppliers has been limited. Tradi’s initiative with HALAL ICHIBA seeks to consolidate halal certified and Muslim-friendly foods into a single, accessible platform, aiming to enhance their availability across Japan.

Future Developments

Tradi has outlined several plans for the future expansion of HALAL ICHIBA:

- Increase the product offerings from currently around 220 items to 1,000 SKUs, including categories like seafood, confectionery, and frozen foods within the next year.
- Implement English support to cater to foreign visitors operating restaurants and inbound needs from overseas buyers.
- Develop features optimized for BtoB usage, such as recurring order functions, favorites lists, and sample request capabilities.

Contact Information

Department: HALAL ICHIBA Business Division
Contact Person: Teppei Hattori
Email: [email protected]

In summary, HALAL ICHIBA is not just a marketplace but a key player in bridging the gap between culinary diversity and consumer demand, offering a vital service to businesses seeking halal food options across Japan.