What is the export process envisioned by the Agri Business Division, starting from "zero sales channels"?Ichiro Co., Ltd.

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

Originally, we were preparing for overseas expansion with hands-on support from JETRO. However, when we actually tried to take the plunge into exporting, we encountered one challenge after another, such as the complexity of export regulations, language barriers, and labor shortages, which prevented us from moving forward as planned. In particular, because we didn't have any English-speaking personnel in the company, exhibiting at overseas trade shows was structurally difficult, and we often had to give up on opportunities that we were given. To handle all export operations in-house would require setting up a specialized department and securing specialized personnel, and that was a very high hurdle.

Amidst all this, I learned about "Omakase Trade" through JETRO's email newsletter, and after receiving a detailed explanation from a STANDAGE sales representative, it became the catalyst for our adoption. "We can entrust all of our trade operations, which are impossible to handle half-heartedly, to this service"—I felt that this service offered the ideal solution, and decided to implement it.

What exactly did it entail?

With "Omakase Trading," we receive comprehensive support for tasks that would have been difficult for our company to accomplish on our own. Particularly impressive was our participation in an overseas trade show in Singapore. Just six months after signing the contract, we were able to exhibit. Through exchanging business cards with local buyers, we achieved results that led to concrete business negotiations and inquiries.

The fact that we can entrust them with everything from exhibition support to shipping and negotiation follow-up is extremely reassuring, and it truly feels like STANDAGE is acting as our "overseas sales department." The fact that this led to us being able to export to the Singapore market is a major achievement.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

The greatest achievement is that we were able to make our first overseas shipment in a short period of six months since implementation. Inquiries we received through business negotiations at trade shows have led to actual shipments, and our products are scheduled to be sold in restaurants in Singapore and other locations. We feel a great sense of accomplishment seeing these concrete results take shape.

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

Going forward, once our sales channels are somewhat established, we plan to utilize "Omakase Trading" like a trading company. In other words, by entrusting them with all the complex contracts and shipping procedures related to exports, we want to build a system that will allow us to continue our overseas expansion with greater peace of mind.

On the other hand, we also hope for further improvements in the accuracy of information sharing in order to achieve smoother operations.

Comment from Ichiro Hiura

What initially appealed to us about implementing "Omakase Trading" was the concept that "STANDAGE's field sales representatives at their overseas locations would sell our products." The fact that shipments to Singapore have been confirmed, and that negotiations for expansion into India are progressing, is a great encouragement to us. We truly appreciate the value of this service in that it has significantly reduced the burden of trade operations.

For companies aiming to expand overseas, we want you to know that by utilizing "Omakase Trading," you can broaden the possibilities for smoothly achieving global business expansion even with your limited resources.