The 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, will present the second annual Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase, sponsored by Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan Taste Marketing Inc. (JTM Inc).
Following the success of the inaugural Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase in 2023, this year’s program has been expanded to include 60 unique suppliers, highlighting an exciting mix of Japanese products, flavors, and globally renowned specialties. Located inside the expo hall, exhibitors will present the highest quality Japanese seafood, beer, spirits, sake, shochu, restaurant products and globally renowned specialties.
"We strongly believe the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase exhibiting Japanese seafood, wagyu, sake, and much more will have a great impact on the traditional bar and restaurant scene by introducing industry professionals to how to incorporate the latest trends in Japanese cuisine," said Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director of JETRO Los Angeles. "This year, our focus is on the unparalleled quality of Japanese seafood, including premium offerings such as scallops, buri, and tuna. These products represent the pinnacle of Japanese culinary excellence, known for their exceptional quality. We plan to showcase a diverse range of Japanese seafood and their culinary pairings, not only at our booths but also in collaboration with the Food & Beverage Innovation Center. We believe that this will have a significant impact, offering new possibilities for menu diversity and culinary innovation."
Attendees can view two culinary presentations of scallops and yellowtail tuna on the main stage in the Food & Beverage Innovation Center.
We caught up with Kota Kimura, Director of JETRO Los Angeles, to learn more about this year’s Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase as well as trends in Japanese food and drink.
Why the focus on Japanese seafood this year?
Kota Kimura: Japan is surrounded by an abundance of marine resources. Surrounded by both warm and cold currents, it is one of the four major fishing grounds in the world.
For example, sushi, the world's most famous Japanese cuisine, has a very long history, and includes more than 100 varieties. We would like to introduce such history and the culture of Japanese marine products to participants.
What types of seafood will be available in the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase?
Scallops, yellowtail, tuna, imitation crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, mentaiko, bonito, etc. will be displayed. Each is a top-quality product representative of Japanese seafood and will be served in a variety of ways.
How can the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase help bar and restaurant owners to be successful?
We believe that even in the traditional bar and restaurant scene, there is a demand for bars and restaurants to add new tastes to their offerings. Japanese seafood, sake, whiskey, ice, wagyu beef, etc. are not yet widely available and will provide great inspiration to bartenders and restaurateurs.
Anything new in the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase that attendees should know about?
The number of Japanese restaurants in the U.S. is on the rise, and the Japanese cultural boom continues unabated. In addition to the aforementioned seafood products, I believe that yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit), soy sauce, and bonsai trees, which are unique to Japan, can be introduced as new tastes to Bar & Restaurant Expo attendees.
A list of all Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase Exhibitors can be found online. Access to the International Pavilion and the Japanese Food & Beverage Showcase is included in all expo passes.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
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