ORGANIQUE Inc., the exclusive distributor of Acai Berry drinks in the country, is banking on Japan's health-conscious market to achieve growth in Asia.
The company recently invested P2 million to set up an office in Japan for customer support and warehousing.
Organique Inc. president Catherine Salimbangon said she has been eyeing Japan as a potential growth market because the Japanese are traditionally health-conscious.
She said demand for organic products in Japan is rising as Japanese consumers pay more attention and attach great value to the quality and safety of products.
Opportunity
“Japan's huge population and wide middle income base present a huge opportunity for the growth of our anti-oxidant drink," said Salimbangon. "We expect double-digit growth in the business with our additional presence in Japan.”
Organique joined the recent Health Industry Trade Show in Japan last March, attended by some 40,000 buyers around the globe.
Salimbangon reported positive feedback during the trade show and announced that her business partner in Japan is negotiating with five companies, which expressed interest to carry the brand for distribution and manufacturing.
Convinced by Japan's strong market potential, Salimbangon said Organique's US-based
counterpart will also supply raw materials to cater to Japan.
Other markets
Aside from the Japanese market, Salimbangon also said they have attracted distribution companies from Thailand and Singapore during the trade show. Salimbangon said the firm also plans to tap the Korean market soon.
Acai berry is the fruit of a palm that grows in the Amazon. It is reportedly an anti-oxidant.