← Expert Working Groups Founding 2026

Culinary & Agri-Innovation

Where Czech craft food and beverage traditions meet one of the world's most sophisticated premium markets.

This Expert Working Group brings together Czech producers, Japanese importers, and specialty retailers shaping the premium food and beverage trade between the two countries. Building "Czech Made" as a recognised mark of tradition meeting modern standards — from Moravian wine and craft beer to functional foods and mineral waters.

Core Verticals

01

Wine & Spirits

Moravian wines, craft spirits, and premium beverages positioned for Japan's sophisticated wine market and izakaya culture.

02

Craft Beer

Czech brewing tradition meets Japanese craft beer enthusiasm — collaboration brews, festival presence, and distribution partnerships.

03

Health & Organic Foods

Bio-certified products, superfoods, and functional foods targeting Japan's health-conscious consumer base.

04

Mineral Water & Beverages

Premium natural mineral waters and non-alcoholic beverages for Japan's competitive convenience store and hospitality channels.

What This Group Works On

Peer Exchange

  • Market intelligence on Japanese premium food trends, seasonality, and price positioning
  • Shared importer and distributor intelligence across product categories
  • Case studies on successful Czech-origin launches in Japan

Collective Access

  • Group presence at FOODEX Japan, Wine & Gourmet Japan, and regional trade fairs
  • Coordinated introductions to department store buyers, specialty retailers, and hospitality groups
  • Engagement with Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)

Advocacy & Standards

  • Coordination on JAS certification, labeling, and import procedures
  • "Czech Made" origin branding and collective marketing initiatives
  • Input on EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement implementation for food products

2026 Roadmap

Q2 2026

Kick-off event

Founding gathering connecting Czech producers with Japanese importers and buyers. Chair elected; "Czech Made" branding strategy initiated.

Q3 2026

Japan market briefing & tasting

Japanese premium food market briefing followed by curated Czech tasting event — positioning Group members for autumn/winter buying cycles.

Q4 2026

Year-end review & 2027 planning

Review of market entries, buyer relationships established, and certification progress. Planning for 2027 trade fair participation and promotional calendar.

Dates and agenda are indicative and may evolve based on member input.

Group Composition

🏢

Lead Industry Partners

Established Czech producers of wine, craft beer, spirits, and premium foods with Japan-ready product lines and export capacity.

Founding members to be announced in Q2 2026.
🌏

Czech & Japanese Companies

Japanese importers, specialty retailers, hospitality groups, and department store buyers of European premium products.

Open to members at Corporate tier and above.
🎓

Research & Academic Institutions

Agricultural and food science universities on both sides — Mendel University, Tokyo University of Agriculture, and similar partners.

Academic partners contribute on food safety and innovation topics.
🏛

Institutional Partners

Trade promotion agencies, agricultural ministries, and regional promotion bodies.

CzechInvest, JETRO, MAFF, and regional development agencies participate as relevant to the agenda.

Chair & Hub Lead

Group Chair will be elected at the kick-off event in Q2 2026 from among the founding members.

Hub Lead for this Group will be announced alongside the launch of the founding membership wave.

Upcoming & Past Events

Events for this Expert Working Group will be announced after the Q2 2026 kick-off. See our full events calendar for all Hub activities.

Interested in Culinary & Agri-Innovation?

This Group is accessible through Hub membership at Corporate tier and above. Express your interest during membership application, or get in touch directly to participate as an invited expert.

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