Water & Soft Drinks Events in Japan

JFEX Food Winter

Exploring the Flavors of the World at JFEX Food Winter: A Personal Journey into Japan’s Premier Food & Beverage Expo

The JFEX Food Winter – The JAPAN FOOD & BEVERAGE EXPO is much more than just another food exhibition. It is a celebration of culinary diversity, innovation, and cultural exchange. Held in the bustling city of Tokyo during the winter season, JFEX brings together global food and beverage professionals in one place, offering a truly unique and immersive experience for anyone interested in the future of the food industry.

I had the pleasure of attending the JFEX Food Winter event recently, and I can honestly say that it went beyond my expectations. From high-end gourmet delights to experimental food concepts, the expo showcased an incredible range of flavors and ideas, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting B2B exhibitions in Asia.

A Global Stage for Food Innovation

Walking through the vast exhibition hall, it was impossible not to be impressed by the diversity of offerings at JFEX Food Winter. As someone passionate about culinary innovation and cultural gastronomy, I found myself completely immersed in the world of food technology, premium ingredients, and sustainable practices.

One of the most striking things about JFEX is how it’s organized into six focused segments:

Processed Foods

Wine & Alcohol

Premium Foods

Fresh Foods

New Concept Foods

Foods for Inbound Tourism

Each area is like a world of its own, allowing visitors to dive deep into specific sectors of the food and beverage industry. This segmentation not only makes the experience more manageable but also ensures that exhibitors and buyers can make targeted connections.

Premium Foods that Tell a Story

Discovering Unique Tastes from Around the Globe

In the Premium Foods section, the level of craftsmanship and storytelling behind each product was truly inspiring. I met a cheesemaker from Italy who had aged her Parmigiano-Reggiano for over five years, turning it into a dense, almost crumbly delight with a sharp nutty flavor.

There were small-batch chocolate producers using rare cacao beans from South America, olive oil artisans from Greece offering cold-pressed varieties infused with truffles, and a Japanese wagyu producer who proudly explained the meticulous care that goes into raising cattle for such highly prized beef.

These weren’t just products they were narratives about heritage, terroir, and passion. It reminded me that food is one of the few things that can carry both personal and cultural history in every bite.

Wine, Spirits, and the Art of Tasting

A Toast to International Craft and Tradition

The Wine & Alcohol segment was an experience in itself. Japanese sake brewers stood alongside European vintners and South American distillers, offering tastings and insights into their craft. What struck me was the focus on authenticity and quality.

I attended a short sake-tasting seminar hosted by a master brewer from Niigata. He spoke not just about taste, but about water sources, fermentation processes, and how seasonal temperature affects brewing. It gave me a new appreciation for sake as a beverage that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, yet highly adaptable to modern culinary pairings.

Some standout spirits I encountered included:

A small-batch gin infused with yuzu and sansho pepper.

A biodynamic white wine from Austria.

A Colombian rum aged in coffee-soaked barrels.

New Concepts Shaping the Future of Food

When Innovation Meets Culinary Imagination

The New Concept Food area was easily one of the most exciting parts of JFEX Food Winter. This is where creativity and technology intersect, producing groundbreaking ideas that could shape the future of how and what we eat.

There were plant-based alternatives that tasted indistinguishable from meat, AI-generated flavor pairings, and even a Japanese startup using rice fermentation to create dairy-free cheese. One booth was offering 3D-printed sushi yes, you read that right which not only looked incredible but was designed for specific dietary needs.

The biggest trends I noticed included:

Sustainable packaging and zero-waste design.

Personalized nutrition using biometric data.

Cross-cultural fusion products (like Korean-Japanese kimchi miso soup).

These innovations aren't just novelties they represent real solutions for global challenges such as food scarcity, environmental impact, and dietary health.

Fresh Foods and the Beauty of Simplicity

Celebrating Seasonality and Local Excellence

Among all the high-tech innovation and premium luxury, the Fresh Foods section brought everything back to the basics the importance of freshness, seasonality, and quality sourcing.

Japanese farmers proudly displayed perfect fruits and vegetables, including ruby-red apples, snow-white daikon, and delicately packed strawberries that looked like miniature works of art. Seafood vendors offered sashimi-grade fish chilled on ice, and there was even a tasting station for mountain vegetables harvested in rural Hokkaido.

It was here that I felt a deep connection to the land and the traditions that sustain it. For many Japanese producers, the goal is not mass production but meticulous care and respect for nature.

Why JFEX Matters for Global F&B Professionals

The Gateway to the Japanese and Asian Market

JFEX isn’t just about showcasing food it’s a serious business platform that connects international suppliers with Japanese and Asian buyers. The JFEX INBOUND segment specifically caters to products aimed at Japan’s rapidly growing inbound tourism market.

With the increase in foreign tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, there's rising demand for diverse food options that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. Exhibitors that offered halal, vegan, or allergen-free products attracted particular attention.

If you’re a food entrepreneur looking to enter the Japanese market, JFEX offers:

Direct access to importers and distributors.

Market insights and product feedback.

Exposure to retail buyers and hospitality sector leaders.

Networking opportunities with international brands.

A Final Thought: Beyond the Booths

After spending three full days at JFEX Food Winter, I left with not just a suitcase full of samples, but a head full of ideas and a heart full of inspiration.

What makes this event truly special is its ability to blend tradition and innovation, local pride and global ambition. You walk in curious and leave transformed whether you're a buyer, a chef, a distributor, or simply someone who believes in the power of food to connect us.

JFEX Food Winter is more than an expo; it’s a community, a marketplace of ideas, and a bridge between cultures built on the simple, profound joy of sharing a meal. I can’t wait to return next year to see what new flavors and stories await.

Drink Japan

Drink JAPAN: A Toast to Innovation, Tradition, and Global Connection

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s deep-rooted beverage culture, Drink JAPAN returns this year to the renowned Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba. As Japan’s largest B2B trade show for beverage, alcoholic beverage, and liquid food development and manufacturing, Drink JAPAN brings together a world of flavors, technologies, and partnerships under one roof.

From delicate sake brewed with generations of craftsmanship to cutting-edge beverage processing machines, the event is a unique convergence of artistry, science, and business. It's more than just a trade show it’s a dynamic celebration of tradition meeting innovation in the Japanese beverage landscape.

The Essence of Drink JAPAN: Where Culture Meets Commerce

Drink JAPAN stands out not only for its impressive scale but for its balanced approach: honoring Japan’s beverage heritage while driving the industry forward with technology and global collaboration.

What makes Drink JAPAN special?

A comprehensive showcase of Japan’s beverage sector from traditional sake to the newest soft drink innovations

Cutting-edge manufacturing and development technologies for liquid food and drink

Educational seminars and technical workshops led by industry leaders

A thriving platform for international buyers, suppliers, and distributors

Whether you're a distributor looking to introduce premium Japanese drinks to your home market, a startup exploring beverage R&D, or a connoisseur with a deep love for Japanese flavors—Drink JAPAN has something to offer.

A Journey Through Japan’s Vibrant Beverage Scene

One of the highlights of the show is its immersive approach to Japanese beverage culture. The event features a curated selection of products that represent both regional authenticity and modern flair.

What’s on Display?

Visitors can explore and taste a variety of beverages, including:

Sake and Shochu – Honoring centuries-old brewing traditions

Craft Beer and Local Spirits – Showcasing Japan’s growing interest in microbreweries and artisanal production

Functional and Health Drinks – Tapping into consumer demand for wellness-focused beverages

Unique Soft Drinks and Teas – Offering everything from yuzu sodas to matcha elixirs

Tasting sessions, often guided by knowledgeable producers, provide attendees with the context, history, and craftsmanship behind each sip. It’s a sensory experience that brings the culture of Japanese beverages to life.

Business Beyond Borders: The Power of Networking at Drink JAPAN

While the event celebrates flavors and traditions, its core mission remains business-driven. As Japan’s premier beverage industry platform, Drink JAPAN acts as a hub for global trade and innovation.

Key business features of the event include:

Technology Showcase – Equipment and solutions for beverage R&D, production, packaging, and quality control

Buyer–Supplier Matchmaking – Pre-arranged B2B meetings for productive and purposeful conversations

Export & Import Support Booths – For international players seeking to enter or expand in the Japanese market

Industry Seminars – Featuring speakers on market trends, sustainability, automation, and product development

These business-focused areas allow Drink JAPAN to serve everyone from engineers and product developers to C-suite executives and global distributors.

Innovation on Tap: Latest Trends and Tech Shaping the Beverage Industry

The beverage world is rapidly evolving, and Japan is at the forefront of this transformation. Drink JAPAN places a strong emphasis on innovation in beverage production, sustainability, and functionality.

Industry Trends Covered at Drink JAPAN

Automation and Smart Manufacturing: Robotics, AI integration, and IoT solutions for beverage factories

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Bio-based plastics, recyclable materials, and minimal-waste designs

Functional Beverages: Products enriched with vitamins, herbs, and superfoods

Sustainability in Brewing: Energy-efficient equipment and water-saving solutions for producers

By featuring a wide range of technologies and case studies, the exhibition empowers companies to adapt, evolve, and thrive in a highly competitive market.

For Whom is Drink JAPAN Designed?

This event is crafted for professionals across every link in the beverage production and distribution chain. It’s a meeting ground for decision-makers and innovators who share a vision for the future of beverages.

Attendees include:

Beverage manufacturers and developers

Importers, exporters, and global distributors

Equipment and technology providers

Supermarket and retail chain buyers

R&D and quality control professionals

Food service and hospitality leaders

Whether you're looking to source ingredients, invest in processing technology, or explore licensing partnerships, Drink JAPAN offers the scale and diversity to help you meet your goals.

Tradition with a Modern Twist: A Cultural Celebration

Amid the serious business, Drink JAPAN never forgets the cultural significance of beverages in Japan. The fair offers not just products, but stories tales of local breweries founded in the Edo period, or new companies combining ancient fermentation with modern biotech.

Interactive features include:

Live brewing demonstrations

Masterclasses on sake tasting and pairing

Cultural exhibits on regional drink-making traditions

This dimension of the show makes it more than a trade fair it’s a living museum and a think tank rolled into one, where heritage and high-tech harmoniously coexist.

Why You Should Attend Drink JAPAN

In a world where beverage trends change rapidly, and consumers crave authenticity and innovation in equal measure, Drink JAPAN is perfectly positioned to deliver both.

Whether you're seeking the next global beverage trend, scouting innovative production equipment, or building international partnerships, this trade show offers unmatched opportunities. And for those simply passionate about the world of drinks be it craft sake or high-tech health beverages Drink JAPAN is a celebration you don’t want to miss.

WINE & GOURMET JAPAN

Wine & Gourmet Japan is more than just an exhibition—it's a celebration of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and culinary excellence. This international trade show and conference, held annually in Tokyo, Japan, serves as a premier platform for showcasing wine products, gourmet delicacies, confectionery, equipment for hotels and restaurants, as well as accessories and services.

Each year, Wine & Gourmet Japan attracts hundreds of wine brands and gourmet food suppliers, presenting an extensive array of offerings to cater to the discerning palate of visitors. From exquisite wines to gourmet delights, the event promises an immersive experience in the world of culinary sophistication.

As the sole trade fair and business platform of its kind in Japan dedicated to wine and alcoholic beverages, Wine & Gourmet Japan welcomes a diverse range of visitors from the food and beverage industry, including importers, wholesalers, retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and catering companies. Attendees can expect to explore a wide and specialized range of products, engage in business networking opportunities, and participate in a comprehensive program of activities, including seminars, tastings, pairing sessions, label awards, panel discussions, and more.

Wine & Gourmet Japan is not just about tasting—it's about discovering, learning, and experiencing the richness and diversity of the culinary world. Join us at Wine & Gourmet Japan to elevate your appreciation for fine wine and gourmet cuisine. Cheers to indulgence and discovery!

FOODEX JAPAN

Foodex is an influential trade exhibition focused on the food industry and gastronomy, offering a dynamic platform for both local and international participants. The event provides an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to showcase new ideas, innovative products, and immersive experiences to a global audience. It brings together a diverse range of food and beverage items, as well as catering equipment, making it an essential stop for professionals looking to explore the latest trends and advancements in the sector. 

For international participants, Foodex serves as the perfect venue to connect with key industry players, network with qualified manufacturers and suppliers, and discuss potential collaborations. The exhibition's broad spectrum of offerings ensures that visitors can discover a wealth of cutting-edge solutions for the ever-evolving food and hospitality industries. The event is not just a display of products, but also an important opportunity for companies to engage with new markets, exchange ideas, and cultivate valuable business relationships.

The numerous international exhibitors at Foodex take full advantage of this gathering to present their newest products, expand their brand visibility, and explore new business ventures. This interaction creates a vibrant environment where innovation and tradition meet, providing both exhibitors and visitors with valuable insights into emerging consumer demands and industry shifts. The event’s global appeal and comprehensive focus on both food and foodservice sectors make it a key highlight in the calendar for anyone involved in the food industry.

JAPAN FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT SHOW

The Japan Food Service Equipment Show is poised to be a dynamic event that draws a diverse array of attendees and exhibitors, facilitating vital discussions around the latest market innovations and lucrative business opportunities in the food service industry. This exhibition serves as a comprehensive platform for professionals to engage with each other, sharing insights and exploring potential collaborations.

At the heart of the show is a rich variety of exhibits that cover a wide spectrum of food service equipment and processing technologies. Attendees will find a vast selection of food processing machinery and equipment, alongside assorted food and beverage processing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the industry. The show will showcase specialized drink and juice processing equipment, as well as advanced food sterilizing machinery designed to ensure safety and quality in food production.

The exhibition does not stop at machinery; it also features an extensive range of products, including bakery and confectionery equipment, which highlight innovations in the production of sweet and savory baked goods. Guests can explore diverse categories such as poultry, meat, halal meat, and dairy products, all of which play crucial roles in the food service sector. Additionally, the offerings extend to chilled and frozen foods, fresh produce, and seafood, including fresh seafood products and seafood processing technologies that reflect the industry’s emphasis on freshness and sustainability.

Another key area of focus is food ingredients, where exhibitors will present a variety of aromas, flavors, and fragrances that enhance culinary creations. The inclusion of food additives and raw materials underscores the importance of quality ingredients in achieving exceptional food products.

As the event unfolds, the interaction between exhibitors and guests promises to spark meaningful conversations, enabling participants to gain insights into market trends and innovations. This exchange of knowledge not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the overall advancement of the food service industry in Japan. The Japan Food Service Equipment Show thus stands as a crucial event for anyone involved in food processing and service, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within this vibrant sector.

GREAT JAPAN BEER FESTIVAL - YOKOHAMA

The GREAT JAPAN BEER FESTIVAL - YOKOHAMA is set to be an exceptional experience for beer enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This annual event combines the vibrant Yokohama Beer Festival and Expo, creating a comprehensive showcase of the craft beer world. Held at the scenic Osanbashi Hall, Yokohama Port, the festival offers a stunning backdrop for attendees to explore and enjoy an extensive selection of craft beers.

Whether you are a trade professional seeking to network with suppliers and distributors or a passionate beer lover eager to sample new brews, the festival caters to all. The event features a diverse array of international and local craft breweries, presenting a wide range of flavors and styles designed to tantalize your taste buds.

In addition to the extensive beer offerings, visitors can engage in a series of informative workshops and seminars led by industry experts. These sessions provide valuable insights into the latest trends in brewing, advanced brewing techniques, and tips for perfect beer pairings. The festival also hosts exhibitors from various related industries, including Wine & Spirits, Viticulture & Enology, Beer, Catering & Hospitality, and Food Processing. These exhibitors will display their products and services, enriching the festival experience.

Organized by the Japan Craft Beer Association (JCBA), renowned for its commitment to promoting the craft beer movement in Japan, the GREAT JAPAN BEER FESTIVAL - YOKOHAMA promises to be a memorable celebration. With its perfect blend of educational opportunities, networking, and an impressive range of craft beers, the event is set to offer an unparalleled celebration of beer. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us in Yokohama for a festival that truly honors the art of craft brewing.