A tasting event showcasing premium Japanese fruits took place at the renowned Tokyo restaurant in Riyadh, bringing together around 50 guests from the media, the food distribution sector, and the diplomatic community.
The event highlighted the flavor and quality of Japanese premium fruit, bringing together participants around shared culinary interests between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Organized by the Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council in collaboration with The Asahi Shimbun, the session introduced attendees to a range of products brought in from Japan, including citrus, kiwifruit and dried fruit. Samples were served alongside a short survey to capture feedback on flavor, aroma and acceptable price ranges.
The event formed part of a broader effort to assess the commercial potential for Japanese premium fruit in Saudi Arabia’s retail and foodservice markets, where demand for high-quality imported produce is rising.
Organizers said that the questionnaire was designed to identify which items resonate most with Saudi consumers and what price points are considered realistic for everyday purchase versus gifting.
Mohammed, a Riyadh resident who attended, stated that the Japanese kiwifruit stood out for its sweetness. “Compared with the kiwifruit I usually buy in supermarkets here, the Japanese one is much sweeter,” he said, adding that it could gain traction as a dessert option.
Yasunari Morino, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Saudi Arabia, also attended and noted that he hoped Japanese fruit would become more widely available in the Kingdom, highlighting the potential to deepen food and cultural exchange through everyday products.
