Exports to the UK have been realized.

After approximately three months of preparation, the export of Japanese sake to the UK has finally become a reality.

Our partner is Rion Lock Limited Partner, where Frankie, with whom we have a collaborative relationship in the tourism sector, works.

For this export, we faced many challenges, including selecting a freight forwarder, recommending suitable brands, and considering container sharing to reduce transportation costs.

In particular, a major hurdle for sea freight to the UK was the scarcity of refrigerated reefer containers and the almost complete lack of less-than-container load (LCL) shipments.

Therefore, we have chosen to utilize 20ft reefer containers to load as diverse a range of brands as possible, including unpasteurized sake. Locally, we plan to implement a "barbell-type strategy" that will provide premium brands to high-end restaurants while simultaneously offering affordable products for suburban markets.

We have high hopes for this as the first step in developing new markets for Japanese sake.