FOODS IN FOCUS
stocks in October. But owner Kyle Inai says he will not source from other countries. "People want Japanese products especially in these categories," he explains. "They understand the quality." In some cases stock shortages have been addressed by Japanese
companies moving production to other locations. "Many Japanese manufacturers have diversified themselves and are using manu- facturing facilities in other countries like Thailand," says Gustavo Caraballo, operations manager
for Asianfoodgrocer.com,
importer, distributor and online food grocer. Abating Fears
The tsunami affected Japan's nuclear infrastructure, causing U.S. consumers to fear radiation contamination in the food supply. In many cases, manufacturers' quick responses helped keep fears at bay. At Argo Century, Burnham requested letters from all of her suppliers stating the safety of their products. Ito En, meanwhile, initiated its own testing of raw-materials production and distribution on top of meeting FDA and Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare requirements. The company's analysis covered tea leaves as well as ready-to-drink teas, where levels of iodine and radioactive cesium were tested. Having moved years earlier to an organic green-tea farmer
Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 3904
Smoked Yukon River Keta Products
Kwik'pak Fisheries is proud to present a sustainable, traceable product that is unique to Alaska's Yukon River. Yukon Keta salmon has the highest oil content and Omega-3s of any Keta Salmon.
in southern Japan, in a cultivation zone that turned out to be the southernmost point from the disaster, Rishi Tea was protected by a low risk for contamination. But the company, still facing customer fears, instituted precautions. Rishi has been conducting indepen- dent testing at a U.S.–based lab on every container that comes in from Japan. Retailers who took the time to educate customers about their
inventory were able to minimize concerns. "It was important for us PRODUCT FINDER
Consumer curiosity in Japanese imports is on the rise. Here are some products to consider: Glico Pocky Sticks glico.co.jp/en Ito En Aki-Shun Shincha itoen.com Kameya Wasabi usopac.com Kenko Mayo jfc.com
Old Style Smoked Yukon Keta Traditional Yukon Keta Strips Garlic Pepper Infused Smoked Yukon Keta Yukon Keta Candy
Kit Kat bars in Japanese flavors asianfoodgrocer.com Maeda-en Sen-Cha maeda-en.com Morinaga Hi-Chew jfc.com Nishiki Quick Cooking Brown Rice jfc.com Ramune Soda sangariausa.com Rishi Tea Genmai Matcha Organic rishitea.com Sapporo Ichiban Instant Noodles sanyofoods.co.jp Suntory the Premium Malt jfc.com Shirotaki Noodles asianfoodgrocer.com
Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 238 86 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com an
