Over 300 Attendees at Fresh Produce Fair in Ibaraki and Tochigi, Cold Storage Tours a Hit

Joyful Gathering at the Fresh Produce Fair

On October 25th, Saturday, the Parusystem Ibaraki Tochigi co-operative organized a vibrant fresh produce fair at the Parusystem Federation Tsukuba Mirai Center located in Tsukuba Mirai City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This event, celebrating the first anniversary of the center's operation, attracted more than 300 attendees, who eagerly participated in various activities and purchasing opportunities, including the popular 'potato fill-your-bag' experience.

Despite the rainy weather, the event surpassed expectations and turned into a festive occasion with bustling crowds. Visitors had the chance to buy high-quality fruits and vegetables straight from local production areas, ensuring freshness and supporting local agriculture. The 'fill-your-bag' promotion was exceptionally well-received, running out of supplies within just an hour, demonstrating the event's popularity.

Furthermore, the day included guided tours of the cold storage logistics facility, typically inaccessible to the public. Around 100 participants joined these insightful tours, experiencing the frosty environment of a -25 degrees Celsius storage area, which sparked excitement and astonishment as they enjoyed this unique opportunity. Participants were amazed by the extremely low temperatures, an experience few can encounter in their daily lives, prompting cheers and laughter from the group.

In addition to these main attractions, family-friendly mini-events such as photo sessions with the beloved character 'Konsen-kun' and balloon giveaways added to the joy of the day, creating a fun atmosphere for families and children.

With the great attendance, the event not only highlighted the cooperative's commitment to bringing fresh produce to its members but also fostering community ties and awareness about cooperative values. Historically, the Parusystem Ibaraki Tochigi cooperative, located at 2-1-39 Umekou, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has been dedicated to supporting local farmers and offering quality food options to its consumers.

The Ibaraki Tochigi cooperative, represented by chairperson Kyousuke Aoki, reported impressive statistics with a capital of 7.09 billion yen, 141,000 members, and a total business volume of 18.34 billion yen as of the end of March 2025. Their headquarters are part of the larger Parusystem Federation managing various other cooperative members across the eastern regions of Japan.

This event was not only a chance for locals to enjoy fresh produce and connect with the cooperative's efforts but also served as a reminder of the importance of cooperatives, especially as we approach the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025. It reinforces the message of collaboration and support among communities, emphasizing sustainable practices and local agriculture into the foreseeable future.

Overall, the successful turnout and positive engagement at the Fresh Produce Fair reflect the vital role of local cooperatives in promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community bonds, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for years to come.