Osaka, Japan / Uenochu Corporation
Japanese Confectionery Ingredient Manufacturer
Achievements
- Planning of new business for the U.S. market
- Market research for the new business
Partner to take on the challenge of a new market with no experience
Although Tadashi Ueno had business experience in China and other Asian countries, the U.S. was a completely new market for him.
The president of the company wanted to target the U.S. market for vegan products, and was looking for a partner who was familiar with the U.S. market, which is how he came across Bunge.
The president of the company wanted to target the U.S. market for vegan products, and was looking for a partner who was familiar with the U.S. market, which is how he came across Bunge.
- Assumption
- Focused on “vegan” due to changing social trends. The company wanted to implement a product development and sales plan targeting vegans for overseas markets.
- Fumitsugu’s Role
- With a friend in the U.S. as a partner, Fumitsugu researched what kind of confectionery products for vegans were available at local supermarkets and mass merchandisers. We ordered the actual products and held a tasting session with Uenochu employees.
- Outcome
- The sales planning process was solidified, and the product was ready to be launched as soon as it was available.
Market research, both online and offline
In developing a vegan Japanese confectionery, it was necessary to research what existing vegan confectionery products were available.
In addition to online research, Bunge commissioned a local partner in the U.S. to not only take photos of the vegan shelves of local supermarkets, but also to ship popular vegan snacks to Japan and conduct a tasting session with Uenochu employees. The project was conducted with the help of Uenochu’s employees and market research for product development.
In addition to online research, Bunge commissioned a local partner in the U.S. to not only take photos of the vegan shelves of local supermarkets, but also to ship popular vegan snacks to Japan and conduct a tasting session with Uenochu employees. The project was conducted with the help of Uenochu’s employees and market research for product development.
- Assumptions
- On the other hand, we were troubled by the fact that we did not know what kind of products we should actually deliver, to whom, and in what way.
- Bunge’s Role
- Proposed crowdfunding as an entry point for sales planning. Identified major crowdfunding media in the U.S. and defined a successful model.
- Outcome
- The framework regarding what to deliver to whom and how was completed.
Client
Want to expand their business overseas
Recommendation for business owners
Mr. Oji, the representative of Bunge, has experience working for Mitsubishi Corporation, is fluent in four foreign languages and has experience in overseas business, so he is recommended for managers who want to try overseas business. He has an extensive network of contacts, which is very helpful in terms of gathering first-hand local opinions.
Mr. Akitomi Ueno, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan
Customer Information
- Company name
- Uenochu Corporation
- Representative
- Ayumu Ueno
- Type of business
- Food manufacturer and trading company
- Description of Business
- Manufacture, import, and wholesale of confectionery and food ingredients, and manufacture and sales of products planned and developed by the company
- Number of employees
- Approximately 60
- Company website
-
https://www.uenochu.co.jp/
