Demonstration of Ajinomoto brands’ Frozen Foods in Paris
Frozen foods - very popular dishes in Japan
Besides some classic and
well-known dishes such as sushi, sashimi and tempura, there are also
less traditional but extremely popular
foods in Japan. For example, there are yakitori (grilled chicken),
gyoza-dumpling and croquettes among many others. These dishes may
have some foreign origin, but they have been adapted and assimilated
into
Japanese dishes over many years. Often marketed in the form of frozen
foods, they now represent an indispensable part of Japanese daily
foods.
In order to expand in the frozen Japanese foods market in Europe,
Ajinomoto
Frozen Foods Co., Inc. organized their first product demonstration
at the Japanese Foods shop “Kioko”, a French affiliate of
Japanese Foods trading group, Yoshikawa Corporation.
Demonstration at an authentic Japanese Foods shop in Europe
Kioko, opened in Paris
in 1972, is considered to be a reference point of authentic Japanese
Foods shop in Europe. Being located in the middle
of numerous Japanese restaurants in Opera district, the shop is now
visited not only by Japanese expatriates but also by many French and
other European
customers, reflecting the growing popularity of Japanese Foods here.
The shop imports and distributes some of the popular Ajinomoto products
(grilled or fried chickens, gyoza-ravioli, croquettes etc) from Ajinomoto
Frozen Foods’ factory in Thailand.
Mr. Fujimoto, the President of Kioko, says “The sales of frozen
foods shows annual growth of 30% or more. Since we started to import
Ajinomoto’s frozen foods from Thailand last year, we have sold
much more than originally anticipated. Even though the products are
not made in Japan, the majority of our customers feel sure of the quality
with the brand name “Ajinomoto”. We can expect further sales
growth both in our shop and through our distribution network to other
customers in Europe and in Africa ”.
Example of the Yaki-tori, the grilled Chicken brochette
“
Just boil in hot water or put in the microwave” Mr. Saitou of Ajinomoto
Frozen Foods Co., Inc, visiting from Tokyo for this special occasion,
explained how to prepare the Yakitori, (grilled chicken), to the regular
weekend shoppers. They appeared to be impressed with the ease of the
preparation and of course with the good taste itself. The product was
completely sold out before the end of the two days of demonstration.
It was also a good opportunity to inform non-Japanese customers that
Ajinomoto has been recognized as a leading processed foods producer in
Japan.
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