Tokyo’s Foodex Japan, the country’s largest agri-food trade show, returns for its 50th edition from March 11 to 14, with Italian dairy producers poised to play a prominent role. As Japanese consumers develop a growing appetite for high-quality Italian cheeses, Italy’s exports to Japan continue to rise.
“The need to embrace free trade and dismantle tariff and non-tariff barriers has never been greater,” said Paolo Zanetti, president of Assolatte, Italy’s dairy industry association. “With U.S. trade policies threatening to curtail access to a key market, there is a real risk of global knock-on effects.”
Italy’s dairy sector has expanded steadily for over two decades, buoyed by exports that have driven revenue growth, employment, and supply chain resilience. Sustainability has also become a growing focus, reinforcing the industry’s long-term viability.
JAPAN: A STRATEGIC MARKET FOR ITALIAN DAIRY
Japan has become an increasingly important destination for Italian dairy products. In 2024, Italy exported 12,700 tonnes of cheese to the country, valued at €106.9 million (€114.3 million including other dairy products), marking a 14% rise in volume and an 11% increase in value year on year.
These figures consolidate Japan’s position as Italy’s second-largest non-EU dairy market by volume and third by value. Demand has been particularly strong for mozzarella (+23%), burrata and ricotta (+36%), grated cheeses (+87%), and Grana Padano PDO and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO (+12%).
ITALY STRENGTHENS ITS FOOTPRINT AT FOODEX 2025
Italy is now Japan’s largest EU dairy supplier, accounting for 9% of the country’s total cheese imports. At Foodex 2025, Italian producers—supported by institutions such as the ITA – Italian Trade Agency—will be well represented, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing the sector’s growing influence in the market.