Japan remains one of Asia’s most important meeting points for the international food industry.

This guide to the 10 Upcoming Food Trade Events in Japan highlights the exhibitions expected to shape sourcing activity and supplier partnerships between 2026 and 2027.

Major events in the Japanese calendar include:

  • FOODEX Japan
  • Supermarket Trade Show
  • JFEX Food Expo
  • FABEX
  • Premium Food Show
  • ISM Japan
  • ProWine Tokyo
  • Japan International Seafood Show
  • Agrifood Expo Tokyo
  • Anuga Select Japan

These events bring together food manufacturers, agricultural producers, distributors, exporters and supermarket buyers from across the global supply chain.

Together they influence procurement strategies and introduce new product categories. They also help define retail range trends across Japan’s grocery sector.

How the Events Are Ranked

Trade events cannot be compared on revenue in the same way as companies. This ranking therefore uses a structural ecosystem approach.

Exhibitions are evaluated on:

  • exhibitor scale
  • international buyer participation
  • category coverage
  • relevance to supermarket retail supply chains

The selected events are a mix of global sourcing platforms, domestic food supply exhibitions and specialised trade shows. The specialised shows focus on emerging product categories within the food industry.

RankEventCityNext EditionFocusRetail Relevance
1FOODEX JapanTokyo9–12 March 2027Global food sourcingInternational retail procurement
2Supermarket Trade ShowChiba17–19 Feb 2027Supermarket supplyDirect grocery sourcing
3JFEX SummerTokyo24–26 June 2026Imported food productsPremium supermarket categories
4Japan’s Food Export FairTokyo24–26 June 2026Export-ready Japanese foodsInternational buyers
5FABEXTokyo15–17 April 2026Ready meals and ingredientsFoodservice & retail
6FOOD STYLE Japan TokyoTokyo30 Sep–2 Oct 2026Foodservice and retail supplyReady meal and deli sourcing
7Japan International Seafood ShowTokyo19–21 Aug 2026Seafood productsFresh and frozen seafood
8Agrifood Expo TokyoTokyo19–20 Aug 2026Agricultural productsFresh produce supply
9Premium Food ShowTokyo15–17 April 2026Vegan, halal, organicSpecialty retail
10Anuga Select JapanTokyo15–17 April 2026International food categoriesRetail innovation

1. FOODEX Japan

Founded: 1976
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Next edition: 9–12 March 2027
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • global food exports
  • beverages and ingredients
  • packaged foods
  • food logistics and supply solutions

Operational Relevance

FOODEX Japan remains the largest international food trade exhibition in the country.

Thousands of exhibitors from dozens of countries attend each year. They present new products, ingredients and supply solutions to Japanese importers and retailers.

For international suppliers, FOODEX is often the first major entry point into Japan’s competitive food market.

The exhibition is a central meeting point for distributors, supermarket buyers and foodservice operators.

National pavilions organised by export agencies highlight regional products. They also show new food innovations aimed at Asian retail markets.

Market Position

Within the Asian exhibition landscape, FOODEX Japan is widely recognised as a leading sourcing platform for international food trade.

Its international participation sets it apart from most domestic food fairs. It gives retailers access to global product pipelines.

Strategic Direction

Recent editions have expanded their focus on sustainable food production, plant-based innovation and digital supply chain technologies.

These developments reflect changing consumer preferences. They also show the growing importance of efficient food distribution systems.

2. Supermarket Trade Show

Founded: 1967
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 17–19 February 2027
Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba

Core Segments

  • packaged food suppliers
  • private label manufacturing
  • supermarket logistics
  • retail merchandising solutions

Operational Relevance

The Supermarket Trade Show is one of Japan’s most retail-oriented exhibitions. It focuses directly on the needs of grocery retailers and their supplier networks.

Exhibitors present packaged foods, ready meals, beverages and retail service solutions designed for supermarket distribution.

Retail buyers attend to evaluate suppliers, explore new product lines and find potential private label partners.

Market Position

The event’s strong focus on supermarket procurement sets it apart from broader food exhibitions.

As a result, it attracts strong participation from food manufacturers seeking direct access to grocery retail channels.

Strategic Direction

The exhibition continues to expand into digital retail technology, sustainability initiatives and supply chain optimisation.

3. JFEX Summer

Founded: 2021
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Next edition: 24–26 June 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • imported food products
  • gourmet packaged foods
  • beverages and specialty ingredients

Operational Relevance

JFEX was launched to strengthen Japan’s role as a gateway for international food imports. It connects overseas producers with Japanese wholesalers, distributors and retailers seeking premium food products.

For suppliers targeting Japan’s high-value food market, JFEX offers a focused platform to present products directly to purchasing teams.

Market Position

The exhibition is relatively new. Even so, it has gained strong participation from international food exporters and regional distributors.

Strategic Direction

JFEX continues to expand through specialised editions focusing on wine, premium foods and fresh products.

4. Japan’s Food Export Fair

Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 24–26 June 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • Japanese food exports
  • packaged foods
  • traditional food products

Operational Relevance

The exhibition is designed to connect Japanese food producers with international buyers. Overseas importers, distributors and wholesalers attend to find products suited to export markets.

Market Position

Supported by government trade organisations, the event plays an important role in promoting Japan’s food export strategy.

Strategic Direction

Growing international demand for Japanese cuisine continues to increase the relevance of export-focused food exhibitions.

5. FABEX

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • ready meals
  • food ingredients
  • processing technologies

Operational Relevance

FABEX connects food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and ready-meal producers. Many packaged food innovations that later appear in supermarkets start as product development partnerships shown at the exhibition.

Market Position

The event serves as a bridge between upstream food manufacturing and downstream retail distribution.

Strategic Direction

Functional ingredients, sustainability and efficient food production technologies remain key areas of focus.

6. FOOD STYLE Japan Tokyo

Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 30 September–2 October 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • foodservice supply
  • packaged foods
  • beverages and ingredients

Operational Relevance

FOOD STYLE Japan brings together suppliers serving both retail and foodservice. The exhibition highlights ready-meal products, food ingredients and beverages for commercial distribution channels.

Market Position

Its mixed retail and foodservice focus gives suppliers access to several distribution networks.

Strategic Direction

Convenience foods, ready meals and efficient supply chains remain central themes.

7. Japan International Seafood Show

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 19–21 August 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • seafood products
  • aquaculture technology
  • marine food processing

Operational Relevance

Seafood remains a core part of Japan’s food supply chain. The exhibition brings together fishing companies, seafood processors and retail buyers.

Market Position

It is the largest seafood-focused trade exhibition in Japan.

Strategic Direction

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture innovation are increasingly central to the event.

8. Agrifood Expo Tokyo

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Japan
Next edition: 19–20 August 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • fresh produce
  • agricultural products
  • regional food specialties

Operational Relevance

Agrifood Expo connects farmers and food producers with wholesalers and retailers.

Market Position

The exhibition highlights Japan’s domestic agricultural supply chain.

Strategic Direction

Food security and regional agricultural production remain major topics.

9. Premium Food Show

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • vegan foods
  • halal products
  • gluten-free foods
  • organic food

Operational Relevance

Premium Food Show focuses on dietary-specific categories that are growing in global retail markets.

Market Position

The event gives suppliers access to buyers exploring specialty product ranges.

Strategic Direction

Plant-based and certified food products continue to expand within premium retail segments.

10. Anuga Select Japan

Founded: 2024
Headquarters: Cologne / Tokyo
Next edition: 15–17 April 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Core Segments

  • international packaged foods
  • frozen foods
  • beverages

Operational Relevance

Anuga Select Japan connects international suppliers with Japanese distributors and retailers.

Market Position

The exhibition benefits from its link to the global Anuga food trade show network.

Strategic Direction

Alternative proteins, sustainable food production and health-focused products are emerging themes.

Structural Analysis: Japan as an Asian Food Trade Hub

Japan’s food trade exhibition ecosystem reflects the country’s complex distribution networks.

Retailers rely heavily on importer–wholesaler systems. This means trade exhibitions act as meeting points where suppliers and buyers build relationships before products enter the retail market.

Many international brands entering Japan first appear at exhibitions such as FOODEX or JFEX. These events let producers assess consumer preferences and build distribution partnerships.

The clustering of many exhibitions in Tokyo also reflects the city’s central role in Japan’s food trade.

Tokyo Big Sight hosts several events each year because it is easy to reach for domestic and international visitors.

Structural Analysis: Trade Events and Supermarket Procurement

Supermarket buyers often attend trade exhibitions to monitor emerging product categories.

Several product types often appear at exhibitions before reaching retail shelves:

  • ready meals
  • plant-based foods
  • specialty diets
  • imported beverages

Trade events give retailers a controlled setting to evaluate suppliers, compare products and negotiate distribution agreements.

For suppliers, the exhibitions make it simpler to enter Japan’s retail market. They bring purchasing teams together in a single location.

Structural Analysis: International Suppliers and Market Entry

Japan remains one of the largest premium food markets in Asia. However, its retail system can be hard for new entrants because of complex distribution structures and strict product standards.

Trade exhibitions therefore work as entry platforms. Suppliers can introduce products to distributors and wholesalers there.

Taking part in these events lets companies test demand, understand regulatory requirements and identify potential partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest food trade show in Japan?

FOODEX Japan remains the largest international food trade exhibition in the country. Its next edition runs on 9–12 March 2027 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Which Japanese trade show is most focused on supermarkets?

The Supermarket Trade Show is one of Japan’s most retail-oriented exhibitions. Its next edition is on 17–19 February 2027 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba.

Why do international suppliers use Japanese trade shows?

Japan’s retail system relies heavily on importer–wholesaler networks and strict product standards. Trade exhibitions act as entry platforms where suppliers can meet distributors, test demand and identify partners.

Conclusion

Japan’s food exhibition calendar shows the scale and diversity of the country’s food industry.

Large international sourcing platforms such as FOODEX Japan and the Supermarket Trade Show remain central to the system. Specialised exhibitions focus on seafood, agriculture and dietary-specific products.

These events increasingly influence sourcing decisions across the Japan supermarket sector. They also create new opportunities for manufacturers supplying the Japan FMCG market.

Global food supply chains continue to evolve. The influence of Japan food trade events 2026 and the wider exhibition ecosystem will remain significant for retailers, suppliers and distributors across Asia’s grocery and food distribution networks.

Editor’s Note: Information in this article is based on publicly available reports and official event materials published by exhibition organisers. Dates reflect the most recent schedules announced at the time of writing.