July 3, 2023 (Tokyo, Japan)—The American Peanut Council is in Japan this week to promote U.S. peanuts as part of the organization’s agricultural trade promotion work. The itinerary includes meetings with government and trade officials, visiting peanut manufacturers, a port tour and throwing out the first pitch during ‘American Peanut Day’ at a professional baseball game.
Japan is a consistently growing market for U.S. peanuts and peanut products. In 2022, the peanut industry exported a record-high 20,171 metric tons of peanuts and peanut products to Japan, with a value of $35.6 million. On behalf of the U.S. peanut industry, and in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, APC undertakes market development activities in Japan and other international markets to increase global consumption of U.S. peanuts. This week’s visit is part of APC’s trade promotion work.
“Japan is an important market for the U.S. peanut industry and is continually evolving as more of its consumers are being introduced to, and enjoying, U.S. peanuts and peanut products,” said Peter Vlazakis, APC senior director of international programs. “In-country visits, such as we’re doing this week, are vital to maintaining those trade relationships, while promoting U.S. peanuts directly to Japanese consumers.”
While in Japan, Vlazakis will be meeting with representatives from USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs in Tokyo, the Japan Peanut Import Association and the Japan Peanut Association. A tour of Port of Kobe to see peanut unloading and handling and visits with peanut manufacturers are also on the schedule.
A highlight of the visit will be ‘American Peanut Day’ at the July 6 Softbank Hawks vs Nippon Ham Fighters game. For the second year in a row, APC is collaborating with the Softbank Hawks, the Pacific League’s most popular team, to host American Peanut Day. Fans will receive American peanuts and take part in peanut-themed activities. APC’s Vlazakis will make an on-field presentation and be joined by Chanda Burke, director of the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office in Tokyo, for the first pitch.
“Peanuts and baseball go hand in hand and this week’s American Peanut Day event is a perfect way to build awareness for great tasting, nutritious U.S. peanuts among Japanese consumers,” said Vlazakis.
Follow along this week on Twitter and Instagram @pnutsusa to learn more about the important work APC is doing in Japan.
In November, APC will be heading back to Japan with a peanut industry delegation for formal meetings with government and trade officials. Details of the visit will be released later this year.
