Focus: Asia Franchise Markets April 2016 | Page 7

Japanese Tastes. Japan Market The most popular savoury tastes : * Soy sauce. * Sesame. * Salt. * Consomme. * Seaweed. * Curry. Main purchase decision drivers: * Easy to prepare, consume and dispose of. * Quality and freshness. * Healthy, low-calorie and nutritious. * Convenient and accessible. * Innovative packaging. * Packaging and in-store marketing. Recently there has been an increase in demand for vinegar, cheese, horseradish, spicy flavours such as chili and pepper; and A well-thought out marketing flavours that can replace or strategy should heed the above simulate the taste of salt. drivers along with innovative design, portion size, QR codes and Japanese consumers are regularly mobile coupons. exposed to various foods and flavours from around the world so As with any market, it is important new, interesting global brands are to link your product benefits and popular. Although Japanese love experience with local consumer their original flavours, franchisors buying behaviour. An often blend their existing recipes understanding of culture, values, with Japanese flavours to make beliefs, tastes and buyer them less unfamiliar. These psychology can be indispensable. cross-over flavours are also becoming increasingly popular and trendy amongst domestic food manufacturers. Key Franchise Points * Doughnuts and Popcorn are a huge trend at the time of writing.