Japanese Sake Export: Key Points and Precautions

"I want to know the important points for exporting Japanese sake!"

"What are the key points for expanding Japanese sake overseas?"

"I want to know the points to be aware of when exporting Japanese sake!"

Japanese sake, which is popular overseas and affectionately known as "SAKE," is a beloved beverage.

Japanese sake exports continue to increase, and many sake breweries and companies see this as a business opportunity.

Despite the export of Japanese sake, many people have a negative image of "exporting overseas."

Therefore, in this article, we will explain the important points regarding the export of Japanese sake, and also touch upon some points to be aware of.

This is an important point to consider when viewing sake exports as a positive business opportunity, so please refer to the information on this page.

Key points for exporting Japanese sake

Exporting Japanese sake involves several specific compliance and operational requirements worth getting right.

I will explain the three points in order, so let's check each item.

Consider export destinations

First and foremost, a crucial point in exporting sake is considering the target market.

Many people may take this for granted, but it is important to carefully consider and examine the matter.

For example, when looking at export values by country, China, the United States, and Hong Kong alone account for approximately 70% of the total export value.

*Other countries such as South Korea and Singapore are known for their large exports of Japanese sake.

In terms of export volume, the United States, China, South Korea, and Hong Kong are strong export markets, and it is well known that there is high demand for lower-priced Japanese sake in the United States and South Korea.

Understanding the demand in these destination countries is also a crucial point, so remember that carefully considering your export destinations is essential when exporting sake.

Develop a target strategy.

Targeting strategy comes next—deciding which markets, channels, and price points fit your sake before anything else.

This isn't just true for sake exports, but developing a solid target strategy is a fundamental principle of business.

In addition to considering export destinations, as mentioned in the previous section, it's also important to determine which regions within those countries have the highest demand.

Furthermore, by developing a strategy that includes even the smallest details, such as setting up business meetings and formulating and analyzing business strategies based on target market analysis, it becomes possible to avoid risks.

Neglecting this target strategy can lead to haphazard responses, so remember that it's crucial to carefully plan your strategy when exporting sake.

Finding business partners for export destinations

And finding business partners in export markets is also a crucial point for exporting sake.

When exporting sake overseas, it goes without saying that relationships with business partners in the destination country are crucial.

Maintaining relationships with sales partners and agents who have connections in that country or region is essential.

In addition, building relationships with buyers, having them conduct taste tests to improve products, and maintaining connections in areas beyond sales are also important.

Strengthening these kinds of horizontal connections can facilitate the expansion of sales channels, so you should not underestimate the importance of finding business partners overseas or building relationships with local people.

[Additional Information] Exhibiting at a trade show is also an option.

As a supplement, let's also touch upon exhibiting at trade shows.

Nowadays, the number of sake exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, is increasing, and exhibiting at such exhibitions will be an important opportunity when exporting Japanese sake.

These days, various events are being held, such as exhibitions specializing in Japanese sake, or exhibitions covering alcoholic beverages in general.

This is an opportunity to contact buyers and is an excellent chance to approach them directly, including offering tastings.

If you are considering exporting Japanese sake, you might want to consider actively participating in events such as exhibitions, business meetings, and trade fairs.

*If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us as we offer support for exhibiting at overseas trade shows.

An explanation of important points to consider when exporting Japanese sake.

From here, we will explain the points to note regarding the export of Japanese sake.

These are important points to keep in mind to prevent problems when exporting Japanese sake, so be sure to understand each item thoroughly.

An export liquor wholesale license is required.

First, let me mention that an export liquor wholesale license is required.

This is a basic point, but to export sake, you need to obtain an export liquor wholesale license.

This is a license that allows you to export and wholesale different varieties of products overseas.

You apply for a license at the relevant tax office, undergo a review to determine if you meet the necessary requirements, and after passing the review, you are issued a license upon payment of a registration tax of 90,000 yen per license.

Incidentally, the export liquor wholesale license is a license that limits the types of alcohol exported to the wholesale of sake and other alcoholic beverages, so if you want to sell other types of alcohol, you will need to apply for a relaxation of the conditions each time.

However, if a sake brewery exports its own sake, or if a company that already holds a liquor wholesale license exports sake, it is possible to export sake without an "export liquor wholesale license."

Having these qualifications, licenses, and permits is an important point when exporting products overseas, not just sake, so be sure to check them carefully before proceeding with the export process.

Regarding alcoholic beverages that are classified as hazardous materials

Alcohol is classified as hazardous material in international transport, with specific handling rules to know.

In the case of air transport, alcoholic beverages with a capacity of 250 liters or more per container and an alcohol content of 24 to 70 degrees may be classified as hazardous materials.

*Also, regardless of the container size, alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 70% or higher may be treated as hazardous materials.

In such cases, shipping costs may increase, the amount of paperwork required may increase, and in some cases, export may not be possible at all.

While it's uncommon for general sake exports to be classified as hazardous materials, it's important to remember that in some cases, they may be treated as such.

Especially if you're considering exporting not just sake, but various other types of goods, it's highly recommended that you thoroughly understand which types of goods are classified as hazardous materials and how to handle those situations.

Regulations set by the country

Finally, I would like to mention that you should also pay attention to the regulations set by the country.

For example, if you are exporting sake to China, you need to be aware of the following laws and regulations.

• Food Safety Law

• Imported Alcohol Domestic Market Management Act

• Export/Import Food Safety Management Act

• People's Republic of China Cargo Import and Export Administration Regulations

In addition to being aware of the regulations mentioned above, you will also need to submit labels and export certificates.

Furthermore, there are import duties, consumption tax, and value-added tax, so it's necessary to be aware of those as well.

Other countries also have their own laws and regulations depending on the country or region, so it is recommended that you check them in advance to avoid causing trouble in the target country.

Neglecting these details can lead to problems when exporting sake, so it's an important point that shouldn't be taken lightly.

If you have any concerns about exporting Japanese sake, please contact us.

In this article, we've discussed important points and precautions regarding the export of Japanese sake.

While some say that domestic consumption of sake is gradually decreasing, it remains a beloved beverage for many people.

Furthermore, as this alcoholic beverage is gaining popularity and attention worldwide, it is predicted that both export and consumption volumes will increase in the future.

Therefore, it is necessary to systematically plan and expand sales channels as a business that leads to exports and expansion, including finding business partners overseas.

If you have any concerns about exporting Japanese sake overseas, please feel free to contact our company, which provides support for developing overseas sales channels.

Our company also provides services such as compiling lists of potential sales partners and distributors in target countries and regions, as well as supporting business negotiations.

We also offer services such as inviting local buyers, supporting participation in overseas trade shows, and acting as a local sales representative, so we can support those planning or considering expanding their sales channels.

Providing this kind of support requires a company with extensive experience and a proven track record, so if you are considering exporting Japanese sake, please entrust it to our company, which has a wealth of experience and a proven track record.

We will support you in spreading wonderful Japanese sake to the world.

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