#Japan #Tokyo #DEAN & DELUCA #Local Producers #MEET LOCAL

DEAN & DELUCA's New 'MEET LOCAL' Initiative

DEAN & DELUCA, operated by Welcome Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, is launching an exciting new program called 'MEET LOCAL - Connecting Food Producers to Your Table'. This initiative will take place from April 10 to 12, 2026, across 12 of its market stores nationwide.

The introduction of this initiative highlights DEAN & DELUCA’s focus on prepared foods, which are showcased in store, where chefs dedicate themselves to crafting delicious dishes from fresh and seasonal ingredients. The 'MEET LOCAL' concept aims to bring to life the stories behind the food, highlighting the faces of producers through a series of limited-time menus created from locally sourced ingredients.

Local chefs, merchants, and buyers will explore various regions of Japan, engaging in meaningful dialogues with local producers to develop unique dishes that reflect their stories and values. This initiative further strengthens the longstanding commitment of DEAN & DELUCA to partner with producers, collaboratively creating and delivering value in their offerings to customers.

The pilot of 'MEET LOCAL' was successfully executed in February 2026 at the Ebisu and Yokohama locations, featuring ingredients from Kumamoto. The menus showcased products from producers like the Amakusa Daiō indigenous chicken and the Kikuchi burdock, both of which were personally visited by DEAN & DELUCA's chefs for a deeper understanding of the materials used.

Starting in April 2026, 'MEET LOCAL' will be celebrated regularly from the second Friday to Sunday of each month in all 12 participating stores. These events will include exquisite dishes crafted utilizing the rich stories and backgrounds of the producers met during each respective visit, ensuring that customers can enjoy these unique culinary experiences at their tables.

Featured Dishes for April:

1. Shinagawa Store:
- Aqua Pazza with Ehime Uwajima Sea Bream and Taiyo Farm Cabbage
- Price: ¥1,944 (tax included)
This dish pairs the sweetness of Taiyo Farm cabbage, known for its crisp texture, with the umami-rich Uwaijima sea bream.

2. Roppongi Store:
- Ehime Uwaijima Tai Meshi Wappa
- Price: ¥1,944 (tax included)
A traditional dish reimagined with Uwaijima sea bream, served with special sauce and accoutrements.

3. Yurakucho Store:
- Carpaccio of Ehime Uwaijima Sea Bream and Ainan Gold
- Price: ¥1,404 / 100g
A refreshing combination of Ainan Gold citrus and Uwaijima sea bream, highlighted by a citrus acidity.

4. Ebisu Store:
- Salad with Hadano Farm Watercress and New Onion, Nut Sauce
- Price: ¥864 / 100g
A salad featuring soft watercress with nut sauce for balanced flavor.

5. Kichijoji Store:
- White Mt. Fuji Salmon and Amela Tomato Carpaccio with Jinshu Sauce
- Price: ¥1,296 / 100g
Featuring the rich fat and deliciousness of Mt. Fuji salmon, paired with Amela tomatoes.

6. Fukuoka Store:
- WAZZE Black Pork Pâté de Campagne
- Price: ¥972 / 100g
A rich black pork paté combining various flavors and textures.

Producer Highlights:

Tairyo Sakai, Ehime Uwaijima - Known for carefully nurturing fish in a natural environment, ensuring stable quality and taste.

Hadano Farm, Kanagawa - Focusing on sustainable hydroponic vegetables with optimal growth conditions year-round.

JA Kagawa, Kagawa - Promoting Kagawa's distinctive brand asparagus, 'Sanuki no Mezame,' through unified agricultural efforts.

As the program evolves, customers can stay updated through the DEAN & DELUCA CLUB PASS app, where merchants will share updates on 'MEET LOCAL' specials. Download the app to engage with favorite stores and discover the unique menus each month.

Through 'MEET LOCAL,' DEAN & DELUCA aims not just to serve food but to connect people with the cultural essence of the culinary world, leading towards its 50th anniversary in 2027. Visit the official page for more information about this initiative and participating stores here.