From a rural area with a declining population to the world: Wakayama rice takes on the challenge of overseas exports.Yasui Co., Ltd.

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

Up until now, our company has supplied rice to a wide range of customers, including mass retailers, school lunch centers, accommodations, and various restaurants. We have long wanted to expand our sales channels both domestically and internationally, and we wanted to let even more people know about the delicious taste of Japanese rice.

We were introduced to STANDAGE by a financial institution we previously did business with. The deciding factor in our contract was the peace of mind we felt knowing that we could entrust them with specialized and time-consuming tasks, such as customs clearance procedures. The fact that we didn't have to learn everything from scratch ourselves, but could leave a large part of the process to them, was incredibly reassuring.

What exactly did it entail?

STANDAGE has been supporting us in obtaining FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) certification with a view to the U.S. market, and we are currently in the final stages of making adjustments to our overseas website. They have also been working with us from a broad perspective, including suggesting expansion into other regions such as Hong Kong.

On our own, there were many things we didn't know, such as knowledge of overseas markets and customs procedures. In addition to being able to have those aspects handled for us, we are in frequent contact with the staff and have the great sense of security that comes from knowing that we can work together to figure out "what to do next."

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

While our export track record is still in its early stages, as we progress with preparations such as obtaining FDA certification and creating a website for overseas markets, a sense of accomplishment is growing within the company that we are undertaking a different approach than before.

While we don't yet have any quantifiable results to show, I feel that we are steadily making progress in building a system for overseas markets. Ultimately, I want to create an environment where Japanese rice is chosen as a matter of course overseas. Beyond that, I hope to raise the status of Japanese rice in the world.

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

Currently, our focus is on the United States, but we see this as merely the initial stepping stone. STANDAGE has also suggested expanding into other markets such as Hong Kong, and we are very grateful for that kind of initiative.

Our company would like to request continued outreach to mass retailers and facilities that use our rice, and we hope to expand our market beyond the United States. We specialize in blended rice, but if you have any information about high demand for branded rice, please let us know. If it's a proposal from STANDAGE, we are eager to take on the challenge regardless of the region.

Comment from Mr. Yasui of Yasui Co., Ltd.

I would definitely recommend this company to anyone who is willing to take on challenges without being intimidated by anxieties or the possibility of failure. I understand that there will inevitably be anxieties and concerns, but I believe it is important to have a positive attitude towards taking on challenges while looking ahead to future development and the outlook for the industry.

As times change, an awareness of the need to look overseas has gradually begun to take root within our company. I would like to encourage companies that are considering this to take that first step.