The moment when "wanting to take on a challenge" became "being able to take on a challenge"—the first step in overseas expansion for a long-established food companyHamaya Katsuobushi Co., Ltd.

Could you tell us what led you to introduce STANDAGE's automated trading service this time?

Up until now, we have primarily focused on developing our food-related businesses domestically. Over the years, while cultivating product quality and brand strength, we have always harbored the desire to one day venture into overseas markets. However, whenever we tried to take that first step, our lack of knowledge and practical experience in international trade proved to be a major obstacle, preventing us from taking concrete action.

In the past, we received an export request from a restaurant in Singapore. However, we were overwhelmed by the detailed requirements, such as arranging delivery to the port, applying labels according to local specifications, and selecting the shipping method, which unfortunately led to a problem where payment was not received. I learned firsthand the weight of the multifaceted challenges involved, including language, payment, and customs duties.

In this context, our biggest challenge was figuring out "how to take the first step towards overseas expansion." It was at this time that we participated in the "Overseas Business EXPO" held in Osaka in June 2024, where we encountered STANDAGE's "Omakase Trading" service. Among the many exhibiting companies, we were strongly drawn to STANDAGE's catchphrase and seminar content, and the high level of expertise and clear answers demonstrated by the representative during the presentation convinced us that "we can entrust this to them."

What exactly did it entail?

STANDAGE provided consistent support from the initial stages of our first overseas exhibition to post-event follow-up. Having a system in place where we could "leave everything to them" regarding concerns such as language support, personnel resources, and costs was extremely reassuring.

At domestic trade shows, the human and time burden is heavy, from the preparation stage to the day of the event and even the post-event follow-up, and in many cases, the results cannot be fully realized. In this respect, STANDAGE provides meticulous support at the practical level, from lead management to creating business opportunities. In particular, I feel that the thorough support in post-exhibition follow-up has greatly reduced the burden on our company.

What results have you achieved since implementing it?

The fact that we were able to take the first step towards overseas expansion through exhibiting at trade shows, and that we were able to leave everything to them, is a great achievement for our company. Thanks to the support based on specialized trade knowledge and know-how cultivated in the field, export operations, which we previously felt were "too difficult," have now become a concrete and realistic business challenge that we can move forward with.

Furthermore, within the company, where a lack of human resources and overseas experience often led to a passive attitude, a more positive mindset is beginning to emerge thanks to the parallel implementation of STANDAGE. Now, I can see a growing momentum within the company to "challenge even broader overseas markets."

What kind of support do you expect from Omakase Trading in the future?

Currently, following our expansion into Singapore, we are planning to enter the Thai market. In the future, we are considering approaching the US market as well as other Asian countries. Most recently, we are making preparations with an eye towards exporting to 10 countries.

We expect STANDAGE to continue providing comprehensive support, from market-specific analysis and strategy design to developing local sales channels and generating business opportunities. They are an indispensable partner for our overseas expansion.

Comment from Mr. Kimura of Hamaya Katsuobushi

Although we had long felt the need to venture into overseas markets, we didn't know where to start and had been stuck for a long time. STANDAGE is the company that walks alongside us, helping us take that first step. The fact that we can entrust them with everything from exhibition preparation and on-site management to post-event lead follow-up and even generating business opportunities on-site is extremely valuable for a company with limited resources trying to take on this challenge.

They possess not only expertise in trade but also a deep understanding of marketing and promotion, and provided precise suggestions on how to best showcase our products. I truly feel they are a trustworthy partner, living up to their name of "Leave it to us for trading."