How to Exhibit at FoodEx Japan 2026: The Complete Exhibitor Guide

Why FoodEx Japan Is the Gateway to the Asian Halal Market

FoodEx Japan is the largest international food and beverage trade exhibition in Asia. Held every March at Makuhari Messe in Chiba — a 45-minute train ride from central Tokyo — FoodEx consistently attracts approximately 3,000 exhibitors from 100+ countries and draws more than 80,000 trade visitors over four days.

For halal food and beverage brands, FoodEx Japan occupies a unique strategic position. Japan's Muslim market is growing rapidly: an estimated 200,000–300,000 resident Muslims combined with 4–5 million annual Muslim tourist arrivals has created sustained demand for halal-certified products in restaurants, hotels, airports, and retail chains. Simultaneously, Japan's food companies — major manufacturers, convenience store groups, and food service operators — are actively seeking halal-certified ingredient and product suppliers to serve this market.

FoodEx Japan 2026 is scheduled for 3–6 March 2026 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. The exhibition spans multiple halls covering every food and beverage category, with a dedicated International Pavilion section where country-organised group stands cluster.

Who Should Exhibit at FoodEx Japan 2026?

FoodEx Japan is particularly valuable for:

• Halal food and beverage exporters from OIC countries seeking to enter or expand in the Japanese market — Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and GCC countries all maintain active pavilions
• Southeast Asian food producers targeting Japan's convenience store (konbini) and supermarket chains, which source extensively from ASEAN suppliers
• Ingredients and additive suppliers — FoodEx has a strong food technology section attended heavily by Japanese food manufacturers sourcing halal-compliant ingredients
• Seafood and aquaculture producers — Japan is one of the world's largest seafood importers, and FoodEx's seafood section draws intense buyer interest from processing companies, restaurant chains, and wholesalers
• Organic and functional food brands — Japanese consumers have high health awareness and FoodEx's natural and organic section is one of its fastest-growing
• Halal-certified confectionery and snack brands — Japanese convenience stores are actively seeking halal snack options for Muslim tourist corridors (Asakusa, Harajuku, Namba)

If your export strategy includes Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or broader Northeast Asia, FoodEx Japan is the most cost-efficient major entry point. The show is heavily attended by Japanese importers, distributors, and trading companies who serve as the primary route to market for foreign food brands in Japan.

FoodEx Japan 2026 Booth Costs and Packages

FoodEx Japan is organised by the Japan Management Association (JMA). Booth rates are set in Japanese Yen (JPY), which means your effective cost in USD or EUR will vary with exchange rates at time of payment.

Shell Scheme Rates (Estimated for 2026)

Package	Size	Price (JPY)	Price (USD approx.)	Price/sqm (USD)
Shell Scheme In-Line	9 sqm (3m × 3m)	~JPY 720,000	~USD 4,800	~USD 533/sqm
Shell Scheme In-Line	12 sqm (4m × 3m)	~JPY 960,000	~USD 6,400	~USD 533/sqm
Shell Scheme Corner	9 sqm (corner position)	~JPY 810,000	~USD 5,400	~USD 600/sqm
Space Only	Custom (min 18 sqm)	Contact JMA	Contact JMA	~USD 380–470/sqm

Note: USD conversions assume approximately JPY 150/USD. All prices are estimates based on published 2025 rates with a typical 3–5% annual adjustment. Official 2026 rates will be confirmed by JMA when exhibitor registration opens. Check the official FoodEx Japan website for confirmed pricing.

FoodEx Japan booth rates are notably more accessible than Gulfood or Anuga, making it one of the better-value major international food shows for first-time Asia exhibitors.

What's Included in a FoodEx Japan Shell Scheme

A standard FoodEx shell scheme package includes:

• Modular partition panels (2.7m high — taller than most European shows)
• Carpet flooring
• Fascia sign with company name (English and/or Japanese)
• 2 overhead spotlights per 9 sqm
• 1 power socket (100V/1500W — note: Japan uses 100V, not 220V)
• 1 reception counter
• 2 folding chairs
• Exhibitor badges (typically 3–4 per 9 sqm booth)

Important: Japan uses 100V/60Hz (eastern Japan, including Tokyo) or 100V/50Hz (western Japan). If you are bringing electrical equipment from a 220V country, you will need step-down transformers. Order additional power capacity through JMA's official contractor if needed for refrigeration, cooking demonstrations, or AV equipment.

Country Pavilion Option

Many countries organise group pavilions at FoodEx Japan that allow individual exporters to participate at a significantly lower cost by sharing infrastructure, interpretation services, and organiser-arranged buyer meetings. Countries with consistent presence include Malaysia (MATRADE/MAFI), Indonesia (ITPC Tokyo), Thailand (DITP), South Korea, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy.

If your country's trade promotion agency runs a FoodEx pavilion, joining as a co-exhibitor is often the most cost-effective way to attend for the first time — with the added benefit of being grouped with other national exporters and receiving promotional support from your embassy or trade office.

FoodEx Japan 2026 Hall Guide: Choosing the Right Zone

Makuhari Messe has 11 halls. FoodEx Japan uses multiple halls simultaneously, with product categories concentrated in specific zones. Understanding the layout is critical for positioning your stand where your target buyers will be.

• International Pavilion (Halls 2–4): The core international exhibitor zone. Country pavilions and independent international stands cluster here. This is where Japanese importers and trading companies focus the majority of their buying visits. For first-time exhibitors, this is the recommended default zone.
• Seafood and Marine Products (Hall 5): One of FoodEx's most active sections. Japanese importers, processing companies, and food service buyers concentrate here. Halal-certified seafood from OIC countries has strong demand at this show.
• Meat, Processed Meats, and Dairy (Hall 6): Includes both domestic and international exhibitors. Halal-certified meat and poultry attracts strong interest from Muslim restaurant operators, hotel groups serving Muslim tourists, and Japanese foodservice companies expanding halal menus.
• Beverages (Hall 7): Non-alcoholic and hot beverages. Halal-certified functional drinks, teas, and premium juices have grown in visibility here as Japanese convenience store chains expand halal-friendly product ranges.
• Natural, Organic, and Health Foods (Hall 8): One of FoodEx's fastest-growing zones. Japanese consumer health awareness drives significant buyer traffic. Many halal-certified natural food brands from Malaysia and Indonesia perform well here.
• Food Ingredients and Technology (Hall 9): Targeted at Japanese food manufacturers sourcing ingredients, flavours, and functional additives. Halal-certified ingredients have growing demand from manufacturers producing for the Muslim tourist and export market.
• Confectionery, Bakery, and Snacks (Hall 10): Active buyer traffic from convenience store chains (7-Eleven Japan, Lawson, FamilyMart) and wholesale distributors. Halal-certified snacks and confectionery are sought by operators near major Muslim tourist areas.

The FoodEx Japan 2026 Application Process

Step 1: Apply Through JMA or Your Country Pavilion

Visit jma.or.jp/foodex/en to apply directly as an independent exhibitor, or contact your country's trade promotion agency to join a group pavilion. Applications for FoodEx Japan 2026 typically open in mid-2025. First-time applicants should apply by September–October 2025 to secure good hall placement.

Step 2: Booth Assignment

JMA assigns booth locations based on product category, application order, and exhibitor history. International exhibitors in the International Pavilion zone are generally grouped by country. If you have a specific zone preference (e.g., the seafood hall), specify this clearly in your application and follow up directly with JMA's international exhibitor coordinator.

Step 3: Contract and Payment

JMA issues an exhibitor contract upon space assignment. Japanese exhibition contracts typically require full payment 3–4 months before the show. Payments are accepted in JPY by bank transfer. Factor in bank transfer fees and exchange rate exposure if paying from a non-JPY account.

Step 4: Logistics and Shipping

FoodEx Japan has a recommended freight forwarder familiar with Makuhari Messe procedures and Japanese customs clearance for food samples. Japan's customs process for food product samples is more detailed than many countries — you will need a phytosanitary certificate for agricultural products, and some meat and dairy products face import restrictions. Engage your freight forwarder at least 8 weeks before the show to allow sufficient time for customs preparation.

Halal Certification at FoodEx Japan: What You Need to Know

FoodEx Japan is not a halal-specific show, but halal certification is increasingly valued across multiple product categories due to Japan's growing Muslim visitor economy. Here is what halal-certified exhibitors should know:

• Recognised certifiers in Japan. Japanese buyers primarily recognise JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), and the Japan Halal Association (JHA). GIMDES (Turkey) and ESMA-recognised certifiers are also accepted. If your certifying body is less well-known in Japan, bring the certifier's own accreditation documents and any mutual recognition agreements.
• Target Muslim restaurant operators and hotel groups. FoodEx Japan draws buyers from the approximately 5,000–7,000 Muslim-friendly restaurants in Japan. These are among your highest-conversion leads for halal-certified products.
• Translation matters. Prepare Japanese-language product materials — at minimum, a one-page product overview with Japanese text. Many mid-level Japanese buyers at FoodEx have limited English proficiency. A Japanese-language brochure demonstrates seriousness and significantly improves buyer engagement.
• Japanese food safety compliance. Regardless of halal certification, products entering Japan must comply with Japan's Food Sanitation Act. Some additives permitted in other countries are restricted in Japan. If you plan to commercially export following FoodEx contacts, have your ingredient list reviewed against Japan's approved additives list before the show.

Cross-check your certifier's recognition status across Asian markets in our global halal certifier directory.

Budgeting for FoodEx Japan 2026

FoodEx Japan is meaningfully more affordable than Gulfood or Anuga, particularly for Asian exhibitors where travel costs are lower. Below is a realistic budget breakdown for a first-time exhibitor with a 9 sqm shell scheme booth:

Cost Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Shell scheme booth (9 sqm)	$4,800
Stand extras (furniture, AV, power, refrigeration)	$1,200 – $2,500
Freight and customs (product samples to Japan)	$1,500 – $3,000
Marketing materials (English + Japanese brochures, samples)	$1,500 – $3,000
Flights (2–3 staff, from SE Asia or Middle East)	$1,800 – $5,000
Accommodation (4 nights, 2–3 rooms near Makuhari Messe)	$2,000 – $4,500
Per diem and incidentals (Tokyo area costs)	$1,200 – $2,000
Total (conservative estimate)	$14,000 – $24,000

Budget $15,000–$25,000 for a first-time FoodEx Japan appearance as a realistic all-in figure. This is roughly half the cost of Gulfood and significantly less than Anuga or SIAL Paris, making FoodEx Japan one of the best-value entry points to the Asian food market for halal exporters.

Accommodation tip: Makuhari Messe is in Chiba City — not central Tokyo. Hotels in the Makuhari area (JR Keiyo Line, Kaihimmakuhari Station) are significantly more affordable than Tokyo central. Book your accommodation as soon as your FoodEx application is confirmed — the Makuhari hotel cluster sells out quickly once exhibitor registrations open.

Maximising Your ROI at FoodEx Japan 2026

Before the Show

• Identify Japanese distributors in advance. Japan's food import market is dominated by trading companies and specialist food importers. Research which trading companies handle products in your category and request meetings before you arrive — empty show hours are wasted show hours.
• Register for the official matchmaking programme. JMA runs a pre-arranged meetings programme for FoodEx. Completing your exhibitor profile accurately increases the quality of meeting requests you receive.
• Prepare a Japanese product summary. Even a simple one-page PDF translated into Japanese using a professional translator will significantly improve buyer engagement compared to English-only materials.

During the Show

• Business card etiquette is critical. Japanese business culture treats the business card (meishi) as an extension of the person. Present and receive cards with two hands and a slight bow. Do not write on a card in front of the giver. Have Japanese-language business cards printed before you travel.
• Serve food samples actively. Japanese trade show culture is heavily sample-driven. Visitors expect to taste what you exhibit. Have your product ready to sample throughout all four days — this is among the highest-ROI activities you can do at FoodEx Japan.
• Note: alcohol-free is non-negotiable for sampling. All samples must be non-alcoholic. Halal-certified products are naturally compliant, but confirm all ingredients meet this requirement before shipping samples to Japan.

After the Show

• Send a formal follow-up within one week. Japanese business relationships move more slowly than Middle Eastern or European ones. A formal written follow-up email with correct honorifics (Mr. Tanaka = Tanaka-san) within one week of the show demonstrates respect for Japanese business norms.
• Expect a longer conversion cycle. Japanese importers typically take 3–6 months from first meeting to first order. They will conduct detailed due diligence including product testing and regulatory compliance verification. Set timeline expectations accordingly.
• Follow up again at 30 and 60 days. Persistent but respectful follow-up is expected and appreciated in Japan. A brief check-in at 30 and 60 days post-show keeps your brand on the buyer's radar.

FoodEx Japan vs. Other Major Food Trade Shows

Show	Best For	Total Budget	Halal Focus
FoodEx Japan (Tokyo)	Japan/NE Asia market entry, Japanese importer meetings, cost-effective Asia presence	$14K–$24K	Low-Medium (growing)
MIHAS (Kuala Lumpur)	OIC-wide market, ASEAN distribution, dedicated halal ecosystem	$8K–$15K	Very High
Gulfood (Dubai)	GCC + MENA premium market, large-volume buyers	$25K–$40K	Medium-High
SIAL Middle East (Abu Dhabi)	UAE retail chains, smaller scale than Gulfood	$12K–$20K	Medium-High
Anuga (Cologne)	European market access, retail chains, private label	$18K–$30K	Low-Medium

For halal brands targeting Asia-Pacific markets, the recommended sequence is: MIHAS first (dedicated halal market, OIC network, low cost) → FoodEx Japan (Japan and Northeast Asia entry at accessible cost) → Gulfood (GCC scale-up when Middle East becomes a priority).

Explore all upcoming events in our global halal expo calendar or browse our full exhibitor guide library for more halal trade show resources.

Key Dates for FoodEx Japan 2026

• Exhibitor application opens: Approximately June–July 2025
• Early application deadline (preferred hall placement): Approximately September–October 2025
• Stand design submission deadline (space only): Approximately January 2026
• Freight delivery window to Makuhari Messe: Approximately 27 February – 2 March 2026
• Build-up: Approximately 1–2 March 2026
• Show dates: 3–6 March 2026
• Breakdown: 6 March (afternoon) – 7 March 2026

All dates are estimates based on historical FoodEx Japan scheduling. Confirm exact deadlines at the official JMA website when 2026 exhibitor registration opens.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready to Exhibit at FoodEx Japan 2026?

• ✅ Valid halal certification from a recognised body (JAKIM, MUI, or JHA preferred for Japan)
• ✅ Products comply with Japan's Food Sanitation Act (check additives list)
• ✅ Japanese-language product summary prepared
• ✅ Japanese-language business cards printed
• ✅ Product samples ready for active food demonstration (no alcohol)
• ✅ CIF Tokyo/Yokohama pricing calculated for your product range
• ✅ Budget of $15,000–$25,000 allocated
• ✅ Freight forwarder engaged for Japan customs clearance
• ✅ 2–3 staff including at least one Japanese speaker or professional interpreter engaged
• ✅ Post-show follow-up sequence prepared with correct Japanese business correspondence format

FoodEx Japan 2026 represents one of the most cost-efficient ways to establish a genuine foothold in the world's third-largest food market. Japan's halal sector is transitioning from niche to mainstream, and the brands that enter now — before the market becomes crowded — will benefit from first-mover positioning with Japanese importers and distributors.

Browse all halal trade show events in our global calendar, or explore the full exhibitor guide library for country-specific guides and trade show strategy resources.