Boddington’s, the fourth-generation Cornish family business celebrated for its artisan preserves, has completed a successful trade mission to Japan, marking a significant step in the company’s international expansion efforts.
The mission, based in Tokyo and Osaka, was supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and offered Boddington’s the opportunity to introduce their premium preserve’s to a new market, including their Chilli Jam and Red Onion Relish at the Festival of Flavours in the UK pavilion at EXPO2025 in Osaka. Japanese visitors experienced these signature products for the first time, generating enthusiastic interest and opening doors to potential future collaborations
A key highlight of the visit was the “Meet the Buyer” sessions, where the Boddington’s team engaged in a series of fast-paced, high-impact meetings with importers and retailers. These discussions sparked promising conversations about the brand’s place within Japan’s growing appetite for premium international food products.
Will Boddington, reflected on the experience: "This was a huge moment for us – not just as a business, but as a family. To see people on the other side of the world enjoying our products for the first time was incredibly rewarding. Japan’s food culture is so rich and refined, and we’ve come home inspired, full of ideas, and excited about the opportunities ahead."
Beyond business, the mission allowed Boddington’s to immerse itself in Japanese culture. The team participated in a traditional matcha tea ceremony, alongside fellow Cornish producers from Cornish Tea, and explored the culinary and cultural highlights of Tokyo with one of their existing Japanese customers. The experience included everything from ramen tastings and temple visits to the surprising discovery of chocolate and red wine raisin scones.
The trade mission provided valuable insights into Japan’s vibrant food scene and how Boddington’s products could be positioned within it. The company returned to the UK energised and full of ideas for the future.
Boddington’s expressed deep gratitude to the Department for Business and Trade for making the visit possible and looks forward to building on the relationships and inspiration gained during the trip.
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