Alexandria, Va. (May 12, 2025)— The American Peanut Council is leading a peanut industry trade mission to Japan this week to engage with top U.S. agriculture and trade officials, importers, manufacturers, and other key stakeholders in one of the industry's most important export markets.
Japan is the fifth-largest destination for U.S. peanuts and peanut products. In 2024 alone, the U.S. peanut industry exported more than 16,000 metric tons to Japan, valued at $31.4 million.
“Japan continues to be a vital partner for the U.S. peanut industry, both as a reliable trade ally and as a market where consumers appreciate the quality and versatility of American peanuts,” said Peter Vlazakis, vice president of international programs at American Peanut Council. “This mission reinforces our commitment to strengthening these relationships and identifying new opportunities for growth.”
As part of the trade mission, the peanut delegation will meet with officials from the U.S. Embassy and host a trade reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Tokyo. Delegates will also tour peanut roasting and sorting facilities and visit retail locations to observe how U.S. peanut products are positioned in the Japanese market.
The APC-led delegation includes:
- Jean-Paul Bodourian, Premium Peanut
- Sonny Deuell, Birdsong Peanuts
- Casey Cox Kerr, National Peanut Board
- Dave Sawyer, North Carolina Peanut Growers Association
- Peter Vlazakis, American Peanut Council
