Exporting Japan's Traditional Snack Wonders

Transport yourself to the heart of Japan, where every snack tells a story of rich tradition and innovative taste! From savoury rice crackers to sweet, chewy candies, the wonders of Japanese treats and confectionery never fail to amaze. And the logistical ingenuity required to share these delights with an international market is as impressive as the snacks themselves.

According to Statista, revenue in the global food market will amount to a staggering US$9.13 trillion in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 6.58% from 2024 to 2028. Furthermore, the food market volume is anticipated to reach 3,011.00 billion kg by 2028, showcasing a volume growth of 3.9% in 2025. This growth presents a golden opportunity for Japanese non-perishable food exporters to tap into the expanding international market and meet the increasing global demand for unique and high-quality Japanese snacks and treats.

Furthermore, as highlighted in the Global Processed Food Market Report 2024, the global processed food market size, valued at US$764.32 million in 2024, is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.29%, reaching US$1101.93 million by 2031. This optimistic outlook signals a promising future for the export of Japan's unique snacks, ensuring that more people around the world can savour these delights.

A taste of Japan: the global appeal of packaged snacks

From delectable sweets to traditional savoury snacks, Japan offers a vast array of popular packaged food products that are well-loved all over the world. Many people always seek out the best Japanese snacks, including healthy Japanese snacks, to bring home from holidays there. These products capture the essence of Japanese culinary innovation, making them popular items in international markets.

The appeal of Japanese snacks abroad can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients set them apart from typical snacks found in other countries. Japanese snacks often feature a balance of traditional and contemporary tastes, incorporating ingredients like matcha, yuzu, and mochi that are both exotic and appealing to global palates. Additionally, the meticulous packaging and presentation of Japanese snacks enhance their attractiveness, often featuring vibrant designs and culturally significant motifs that make them perfect for gifting.

According to statistics, revenue in Japan's snack food market amounts to US$4.61 billion in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 2.61% from 2024 to 2028. Similarly, as per Volza's Japan Export data, snack export shipments from Japan stood at 9K, exported by 559 Japanese exporters to 782 buyers. 

Currently, the country exports most of its snacks to Vietnam, the United States, and India, including items like chocolates, rice crackers, seaweed, gummies, and potato chips. This highlights the broad appeal of Japanese treats, driven by their unique flavours and quality, and underscores the optimism for continued growth in this sector.

When it comes to shipping Japanese snacks abroad, courier services are the most ideal solution due to speed and reliability. Speed is crucial when shipping confectionaries, ensuring that the snacks arrive fresh and retain their quality. Plus, the direct-to-consumer nature of courier services means that snacks are delivered quickly instead of spending time sitting in a warehouse, minimising the risk of spoilage and maintaining the high standard of the products. This makes express courier services the best choice for shipping Japanese snacks to international markets, ensuring that the unique flavors and high quality of these treats are enjoyed worldwide.

Overcoming export challenges for packaged snacks

Exporting Japanese snacks involves tackling specific challenges, including ensuring the longevity of flavour and quality during transit. According to the International Forwarding Association, about 11% of containers get lost overboard, 14% of damages occur due to incorrect temperature, and 25% are physical. Additionally, reports also show that up to 70% of rail and road vehicles, swap bodies, and packed containers have shortcomings in securing and packing, increasing the risk of damage.

These damages can have ripple effects when exporting non-perishables, impacting business relationships, and trust, and incurring insurance and administrative costs to deal with losses and damages. Ensuring the protection of non-perishable food items like Japanese rice crackers and Japanese potato chips in transit is crucial to maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

While external factors cannot be fully mitigated, effective strategies for packaging can protect against damage and environmental factors, ensuring these Japanese snacks arrive in pristine condition. These strategies include:

• Using sturdy packaging materials: Employ high-quality, durable materials that can withstand physical impacts and prevent breakage.
• Implementing temperature control: Use insulated packaging and temperature-controlled containers to maintain optimal conditions for non-perishable foods.
• Vacuum sealing: Vacuum seal products to preserve freshness and prevent contamination during transit.
• Shock-absorbing inserts: Utilise cushioning materials like foam inserts or bubble wrap to absorb shocks and vibrations during transportation.
• Moisture barriers: Incorporate moisture-resistant packaging to protect against humidity and prevent spoilage.
• Tamper-evident seals: Use tamper-evident packaging to ensure product integrity and prevent theft.
• Clear labelling: Clearly label packages with handling instructions to inform carriers of any special requirements for the contents.

What are the requirements for food export from Japan?

Exporting Japanese snacks worldwide is very different from the ways you can send non-perishable food items in the mail. This is because exporting packaged food products requires adherence to key regulatory considerations, focusing on compliance with international food safety standards and general shipping processes. This includes labelling requirements and customs clearance procedures, such as:

• HACCP certification: Ensure that products comply with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point standards to maintain food safety.
• ISO 22000: Adhere to the international standard for food safety management systems.
• Sanitary and phytosanitary measures: Comply with regulations that protect humans, animals, and plants from diseases and pests.
• Food additive regulations: Follow guidelines on the permissible use of food additives and preservatives.
• Residue limits: Adhere to maximum residue limits for pesticides and veterinary drugs.

• Ingredient listing: Clearly list all ingredients used on the Japanese snack or food packaging.
• Allergen information: Provide information on any potential allergens present in the product.
• Nutritional information: Include details on the nutritional content of the product.
• Expiry date: Clearly indicate the product's expiration date.
• Country of origin: Specify the country where the product was manufactured.

Proper documentation and compliance with customs procedures are important to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the export process goes smoothly. Failing to meet these requirements often result in shipment delays, additional costs, and potential legal issues, impacting business operations and customer satisfaction.