Food Export Council Explores Expanding Egyptian Food Exports to Japan Ahead of FOODEX Japan 2026
The Food Export Council (FEC) organized a webinar via Zoom titled “New Opportunities for Egyptian Food Industries in the Japanese Market,” as part of its preparations to support Egyptian companies participating in FOODEX Japan 2026, scheduled from March 10 to 13, 2026. The session aimed to introduce market access opportunities and provide practical insights into penetrating one of the world’s most demanding food markets.
Held in cooperation with the Egyptian Commercial Office in Tokyo, the webinar brought together FEC officials, Japanese market specialists, and representatives of Egyptian food companies. Discussions focused on export performance trends, Japanese regulatory and technical requirements, and key success factors for sustainable growth in the market.
Mai Khairy, Executive Director of the FEC, reaffirmed the Council’s strong interest in Japan, noting that Egypt’s participation in FOODEX Japan 2026 will feature a unified Egyptian pavilion hosting five companies, in addition to seven companies exhibiting independently. This participation reflects the diversity and competitiveness of Egyptian food products in international markets.
She added that the Council’s support extends beyond exhibition organization to include a pre-event promotional campaign targeting Japanese buyers and importers, leveraging institutional networks developed over years in cooperation with the Commercial Office in Tokyo. The Council has also recently hosted Japanese buyers for B2B meetings in Cairo, enabling Egyptian exporters to better understand specific market needs.
According to Dr. Tamim El-Douei, Deputy Executive Director of the FEC, Japan ranked 40th among Egypt’s top importers of food industries in 2025. Egyptian food exports to Japan reached $32 million in 2025, up from $30 million in 2024 and $23 million in 2023, marking steady growth despite logistical distance and stringent standards.
Around 50 Egyptian companies exported processed food to Japan in 2025, though seven companies accounted for approximately 78% of total exports. Frozen strawberries led export categories at $12 million, followed by beet pulp and sugar by-products at $7 million, and dried onions at $6 million. Other products included coffee preparations, pasta, juices, jams, essential oils, and more.
Japan’s food imports, valued at approximately $35 billion in 2024, offer promising opportunities across several categories, including frozen potatoes, bakery products, olive oil, pasta, preserved tomatoes, cocoa products, dried vegetables, sugar confectionery, honey, and frozen strawberries.
Dr. Mohamed Abdelgawad Allam, Head of the Egyptian Commercial Office in Tokyo, emphasized that entering Japan requires deep market understanding, strict compliance with Japanese specifications, precise labeling, and consistent quality control. He stressed that participation in FOODEX Japan 2026 should be viewed as the beginning of a long-term partnership rather than a short-term sales opportunity, noting that finalizing contracts may take over 12 months.
He highlighted the importance of risk reduction for Japanese partners, continuous follow-up after exhibitions, and maintaining product consistency across shipments. Growing Japanese consumer interest in health-focused products also presents emerging opportunities for Egyptian exporters.
The webinar concluded that while competition in Japan is intense, sustained engagement, patience, and strict adherence to standards can unlock significant long-term potential for Egyptian food industries.