From import to export—Opening up the next market for food ingredient manufacturers through export shifts.Kobe Chemical Co., Ltd.

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

Up until now, our business has primarily focused on importing raw materials, but we have always harbored a desire to one day venture into exporting. However, to be honest, we lacked specific market information on which countries to sell what products to, as well as the resources to make that a reality, which has prevented us from taking that first step.

Around that time, the president of a logistics company with whom we regularly do business introduced us to "Omakase Trading." To be honest, I hadn't even known about the existence of trade agency services until then, but I had a long-standing relationship of trust with that president, and we were on friendly terms where we could exchange opinions frankly. After receiving a thorough explanation, I decided to give it a try, thinking, "If he recommends it, I'll give it a go."

What exactly did it entail?

Of all the support provided by STANDAGE, what we value most is "the discovery of unexpected market needs." Initially, we envisioned the United States and Southeast Asia as our main targets. However, we were surprised and gained new insights when we discovered that there was actually a high level of interest from European countries such as Lithuania. This was a result of STANDAGE's on-site market research and marketing, and we feel it was extremely valuable because it allowed us to access primary information that we would not have been able to obtain on our own.

Based on this real-world data, the selection of export destinations is beginning to become more concrete and realistic, and we find great value in the system that provides comprehensive support from marketing to securing business deals.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

Even with a vision to expand overseas, taking that first step is extremely difficult. I think this is a common challenge for many companies. We were no exception and were unable to take concrete action, but with STANDAGE's support, we gained a clear realization that "there is definitely a need in this country."

Going forward, we plan to work closely with STANDAGE in areas where there is actual need, and delve deeper into local information. We are still in the "eve of taking the first step" stage, but we are excited by the immense potential we can already see.

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

Going forward, we want to translate the market needs we've identified into more concrete strategies. We would like STANDAGE to continue providing us with detailed information on country- and regional business practices and regulations, as well as creating opportunities for business negotiations that will lead to future sales activities.

In the past, we had a consulting agreement with a consultant who had a strong presence in the local area, but that was a top-down approach that relied on "connections between company presidents." This time, however, they are taking a broad view of the entire market and using digital technology to secure deals one by one—a "grounded, bottom-up approach"—which is very educational and I feel it offers new value.

Comment from Mr. Murakawa of Kobe Kasei

For companies like ours that want to export but don't know where to start, "Omakase Trading" is an incredibly reassuring service. It will be a particularly powerful tool for companies that lack the resources for marketing and lead generation.

Furthermore, in effect, "employees1One of its biggest attractions is that it can be started with a burden equivalent to hiring a few people. I would definitely recommend it to companies that want to seize big opportunities at a low cost.

I'm really looking forward to what happens next. I would be grateful if everyone at STANDAGE could continue to support our overseas expansion.