HACCP International has long had a strong relationship with the Japan Ready-Made Meal Association (JRMMA), built on our certification activities in Japan. We were excited to assist the JRMMA in identifying exceptional manufacturing candidates in Australia and facilitating a series of site visits in Sydney during October 2024.

The visit programme led by Nigel Asai, Manager Director – Japan & South Korea for HACCP International included three carefully selected sites, each showcasing different facets of the Australian food manufacturing sector:

  • Picasso Foods: Specializing in chilled and frozen topped pizzas and ready meals
  • Hub Foods: A leader in frozen meal components, with a focus on texture-modified foods for aged care
  • The Bread Spread: Makers of fresh snacks, sandwiches, and meal components

The site visits, each lasting around three hours, offered a thorough review of each facility’s capabilities, along with Q&A sessions that provided valuable insights into their operations. The manufacturers were able to highlight their expertise in research and development, as well as their strong commitment to HACCP standards and best practices.

HACCP International also had the pleasure of hosting the JRMMA visitors at a formal dinner, with stunning views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge—an evening that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The JRMMA is Japan’s leading industry body for the ready-made meal sector. Each year, the association organizes overseas visits to explore international food trends, enhance understanding of the globalization of cuisine, and strengthen business relationships. The participants in the October 2024 visit were senior executives from Japan’s food manufacturing, marketing, and distribution sectors, including companies that supply ready meals to Japanese supermarkets, convenience stores (CVS), and chain restaurants.

The visit provided a number of valuable business opportunities for the Australian food manufacturers involved, including:

  • Potential partnerships to explore export or local business opportunities in Japan
  • Introductions to Japanese supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and other distribution channels within the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market
  • Reciprocal visits to Japanese facilities, offering Australian manufacturers access to cutting-edge technologies and key market insights

Overall, the visit was a resounding success for both the hosts and the visitors, fostering deeper business relationships and expanding opportunities for future collaboration. HACCP International is proud to have been part of this initiative and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the JRMMA in the years ahead.