A system for delivering dried shiitake mushrooms to the world: A Kyushu-based processor chooses to outsource trade.Marutomo Bussan Co., Ltd.

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

In the past, we used a packaged service from another company with an eye towards overseas expansion. While it provided opportunities to meet local buyers through online exhibitions, we had to handle all the practical aspects ourselves, such as logistics, follow-up on business negotiations, and local support.
Although we are a manufacturing company, we don't have a dedicated overseas sales team, and our resources are limited. In this context, there has always been a need for a service that can handle all aspects of our trade operations.

Around that time, I received an email from STANDAGE advertising their "Leave-it-to-us Trading" service. The fact that they handle everything from negotiations to transportation and communication with local parties was exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to implement it without hesitation.

What exactly did it entail?

Since introducing "Omakase Trading" around the summer of 2023, we have continued to approach multiple regions, including Africa, Oceania, and India. Each person in charge at STANDAGE handles everything from sales activities and lead generation tailored to the characteristics of each market to the actual operations, allowing us to concentrate on manufacturing.

Due to the nature of the product we handle, "dried shiitake mushrooms," many of our business partners are highly specialized professionals, and closing deals requires a certain amount of time and strategy. Therefore, information sharing and the accuracy of decision-making with STANDAGE are extremely important, but because the staff maintain close communication through meetings and daily contact, we can entrust them with this with confidence.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

For companies like ours, which lack expertise in overseas expansion and have limited human resources, "Omakase Trading" is the perfect solution. Compared to the service we used previously, the service provided by STANDAGE is practically outsourcing, and we feel it offers excellent cost performance.

To put it simply, it's like having hired a dedicated employee for trade operations. And what's more, they cover not only practical tasks but also sales—our initial expectations have been fully met.

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

Currently, our top priority is to generate concrete results. We are continuing to examine which markets to target and which routes to take, but going forward, we want to build a solid foundation for overseas expansion by accumulating measurable results. Therefore, we expect STANDAGE to continue to take an active lead, such as providing primary information on overseas local markets and proposing strategic leadership.

Comment from Mr. Yoshimoto of Marutomo Bussan

For companies looking to venture into international trade, STANDAGE's "Leave-it-to-us Trade" service will be a great boost. Especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers like us with limited human resources, the ability to take the first step towards overseas expansion while minimizing our own burden is very appealing.