Japanese sweet potato exports grow 10-fold in a decade

Japanese sweet potato exports recorded remarkable growth, reaching 6,200 tons in 2023 with a value of 2.9 billion yen (approximately $18.8 million), nearly ten times more than a decade ago, according to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture.

The boom began in 2018, when a popular Japanese discount retail chain opened a store in Singapore, where Japanese sweet potatoes, renowned for their sweetness and quality, became a hit. Today, these sweet potatoes are sold fresh and baked in 47 of the chain's international stores.

Japan exports several varieties of sweet potatoes to meet regional preferences. In Hong Kong, the Miyazaki Beni variety, known for its floury texture, is popular. In Germany, the Beniharuka variety is considered "too sticky" by some consumers. In Southeast Asia, preferences are different, forcing exporters to diversify their offerings.

source: asahi.com

photo: freelymagazine.com