Japan is one of the biggest importers of foodstuffs in the world, and Japanese consumers are considered some of the most discerning. We have an equally discerning eye when sourcing safe, high quality products that meet the strict food standards and diversifying needs of the Japanese market.
Utilizing our deep ties to the Kikkoman Group's worldwide network and our extensive experience in international trading we are able to tailor our offerings in a way that will best meet the different needs of our diverse customer base.
Quality Management
For we provide high quality products in the best of states from production facilities overseas, our quality management fulfills the most demanding standards. We make overseas producer follow Japanese quality standards and deliver in adequate temperature zones. When it imports, we have conducted in severe inspection.
Food Materials and Processed Food
We have brought into Japan a great variety of food products for long time.
We provide products to many different customers, including food manufacturing companies, restaurants and supermarkets. From procuring food materials to the development of Private Brand, it is possible for us to respond to the different needs of our customers.
Grain
We are licensed to import MA* and SBS* rice.
JFC INTERNATIONAL INC., our group, handles many varieties of rice, starting with the top quality rice brand, Nishiki. In consequence we excel at procuring and collecting information within the US and securely provide the best products to our customers. Also, we have a network in Asian countries, expanding our possibilities into fields like broken rice (main ingredient of rice confectionery and Miso) as well as providing table rice for restaurants and industrial catering.
*MA (minimum access) rice is the one imported untaxed (the tax rate outside the limit is 314 yen/kg) with the integrated method for the countries imports on rice that Japan obtained with the Uruguay Round agreement in 1995. It is based on brown rice and an average of 770,000 tons is imported yearly, its main uses being as food material for manufacturing (Miso, Shochu, rice confectionery, etc.) and for aid and forage. The authorized importers enter an auction held by the state and the best bidders make the buy.
*SBS (Simultaneous Buy and Sell) is done by the paired authorized importers and those with the actual demand. Both the authorized importers and actual buyers bid in the auctions held by the state at a mark up limited to 292 yen/kg, the winner being the one offering the highest mark up. The state makes a three way contract with the authorized importers and actual buyers, buying from the importers and selling to the actual buyers simultaneously. Presently 100,000 tons of the Minimum Access rice is imported with the SBS method.
