First Japanese food store to open in India

Japanese design firm Bascos Japan will design and market a Japanese store, the first ever in India. This is a venture of the Japanese government along with maidoindia, Japan-based food products marketing company, and La Ditta Limited (Tokyo).

The store is expected to start from 1 November in Mumbai. Backed by Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), a government related organisation that works to promote mutual trade between Japan and rest of the world.

According to the statement issued by Bascos Japan, over 50 authentic Japanese food and beverage products have been chosen to be showcased at Nature's Basket (Warden Road) and Gourmet City, Inorbit Mall (Malad).

Each item tasted and selected by Indian buyers will be directly imported from Japan by maidoindia.

Y Aoyagi, VP, LaDitta, said, "With this launch, we are not just bringing authentic products from Japan but also its culture, style and simplicity through hospitality and design. Each staff member will be trained beyond the knowledge of mere products. La Ditta believes Bascos Japan can project true 'Japan' visually through this important project."

At present, Bascos Japan is building the brand identity to permeate deep into the mindset of the consumer, while reflecting the simple Japanese design sensibilities.

According to A Jodhani, director - maidoindia, the recent increase in awareness and rising excitement over Japan and Japanese food in the country has led to the set-up of state-of-the-art dedicated Japan Shop in India. "We have been providing Japanese food products to top restaurants, five-star hotels and retail outlets over the last two years. With this new Japan Shop project we wish to bring Japanese food closer to homes," Jodhani said.