#Japan #Tokyo #Fresh Food #Uopochi #Foodison

Uopochi: Revolutionizing Fresh Food E-Commerce in Japan

In a significant milestone for the Japanese fresh food e-commerce sector, Uopochi, operated by Foodison Co., Ltd., has recently announced that it has surpassed 40,000 registered restaurants as of May 2025. Founded in 2014, Uopochi was created with the vision of establishing a new cycle in fresh food distribution, aiming to enable chefs across Japan to easily source high-quality ingredients from anywhere. With over 8,000 products sourced directly from over 50 regions nationwide, Uopochi stands at the forefront of supporting the country’s culinary professionals amidst a challenging labor market.

The Labor Shortage Dilemma

The Japanese restaurant industry is currently facing a tremendous challenge: a severe labor shortage. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the job-to-applicant ratio for cooking staff, particularly in izakayas, is approximately double that of all occupations combined. Many chefs voice concerns over the increasing burden of sourcing ingredients, stating that they often lack the time to procure supplies themselves and that losing a purchasing manager can pose a significant risk to their operations.

In response, Uopochi provides a solution by making it easy for chefs to order seafood via the web from anywhere in Japan. Their platform allows for simple ordering via smartphones or PCs and aims to reduce the logistical burden on chefs, enabling them to focus on what they do best—cooking. Uopochi's goal is to streamline procurement processes and assist chefs in creating exceptional culinary experiences.

Uopochi’s Unique Service Features

Uopochi stands out in the market with several key features tailored for the culinary professional:

• - Chef-centric UX Design: Ensuring a user-friendly experience for restaurant staff.
• - Easy Ordering and Fast Delivery: Businesses can order online, with next-day delivery available in most areas.
• - Flexible Purchasing Options: Customers can buy whole fish or smaller quantities, allowing for precise stock management.
• - Variety of Products: Offering pre-prepared seafood to simplify kitchen processes further.
• - Direct Supply from Producers: Establishing a robust supply chain directly connecting chefs to fishermen and farms.
• - Seasonal and Rare Fish: Access to a wide range of fish, including seasonal specialties and lesser-utilized species.
• - Commitment to Local Producers: Supporting communities through initiatives that promote local fishing industries.
• - Transparency and Quality Assurance: Providing detailed information about sourcing, harvesting methods, and product freshness, ensuring high standards are met.

Uopochi aims to enhance food culture by contributing to the enjoyment of seasonal produce while maintaining rigorous quality controls through their HACCP-compliant freshness management systems.

Expanding Beyond Seafood

Looking ahead, Uopochi plans to evolve from merely a seafood supplier to a comprehensive “fresh food distribution platform” by expanding its inventory to include other categories like meat, vegetables, and condiments. Foodison has set ambitious goals, aspiring to serve over 500,000 restaurants nationwide while also focusing on sustainable practices and increasing its market presence both domestically and internationally.

Leadership Insights

Hiroshi Kusakabe, head of Uopochi, expressed gratitude to the 40,000 registered restaurants, emphasizing how their continued trust has been integral to Uopochi's progress. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs but highlighted a growing interest in domestic ingredients and digital innovations within the farming sector that present new opportunities for the food industry.

Kusakabe stated, “We are dedicated to minimizing procurement time for chefs and ensuring that they can order the ingredients they need safely and quickly, no matter where they are. We will continue to refine our technology and logistics to strengthen connections between producers and consumers.”

About Uopochi

For more information on Uopochi, visit their website: Uopochi. Uopochi aims to empower chefs by offering a reliable and efficient supply chain, helping them focus more on the essential aspects of running their businesses.

About Foodison Co., Ltd.

Founded in April 2013, Foodison operates Uopochi alongside other services, including a fish-select shop for consumers and a human resources service for food industry businesses. More details about the company can be found at Foodison.