WASHINGTON—Japanese demand for processed food products will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, despite the recession and weakened economy, according to a recent USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) GAIN report. The report estimates Japanese food processing industry was valued at $255 billion in 2010.
Key factors driving the Japanese processed foods sector include a strong health consciousness, growth of an aging population, and more women in the workforce, which all have led to personalization of product packaging and a greater demand for convenience and ready-to-eat foods.
According to the report, several product categories sold well in 2010 compared to 2009, mostly due to the Northeast Earthquake and Tsunami. Most notably, canned/bottled products, bottled water, juices, processed meats, processed seafood, retort packaged products and frozen foods increased.
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