MARKETING & TRADE
Japanese sweet manufacturer sources Australian almonds
Management staff from Japanese sweet manufacturer Igetado Group visited Australia to learn more about the almond industry and connect with suppliers .
A JAPANESE company that manufactures 300 different almond-based sweets has turned to Australia to source its hero ingredient . Igetado Group has three factories , all in the Aichi prefecture , in central Japan and employs 300 people . Its cake , cookies , bars and other sweet treats are sold in Japanese department stores and local gift shops under four different brands . Almonds aren ’ t grown in Japan , so the Igetado Group needs to import the product . Igetado Group CEO Takeshi Hattori said his company had been using Californian almonds in their products and these were being sourced through a trader in Japan . “ For the last few years , Austrade has held an Australian Nut Seminar and that ’ s how we were introduced to the Australian almond industry ,” he said . In August 2023 Igetado Group visited Australia , meeting with two processors and touring almond orchards during blossom season . “ I was really impressed with Almondco ’ s factory and the quality is amazing , so we will now be going directly to Almondco to get the best almonds possible .” As part of the company ’ s 50th anniversary celebrations , 32 members of the management team travelled to Australia in August to learn more about the industry and enjoy the spectacle of almond blossom season . The company ’ s CEO and CFO have been to Australia
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Austrade is constantly seeking out new users from a diverse range of industries .
- Kaori Shinoda , Austrade
three times , but for many of the other members of the Igetado Group ’ s management team this was their first time visiting our country . Two tours , a week apart , were organised to accommodate the management team . The itinerary included a meal in the Outback Almonds orchard north of Wentworth , a day with Almondco visiting orchards and processing sites , and a stop at a Riverland winery . Some participants were able to see kangaroos and experience the almond blossom in full bloom . Austrade Senior Business Development Manager in Tokyo Kaori Shinoda said Igetado Group is one successful example of how the Australian nut industry has increased its exports to Japan . “ Austrade is constantly seeking out new users from a diverse range of industries , in addition to the member companies of the Japan Nut Association ," she said . " One activity important in developing new customers is participation in various trade fairs ."
36 In A Nutshell - Spring 2025 Vol 25 Issue 3