August 31, 2007

Survey shows Japanese concerned about country of origin

A recent fresh food items survey confirmed Japanese consumers' strong preference for domestic products, but beef was the item that saw the highest percentage of people not minding whether it was imported or domestic.

The national survey by Japan's Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Finance Corporation suggests that even though most would prefer to buy Japanese rice and vegetables over foreign produce, they now have a more open attitude towards beef. 

One in five said they would not mind whether the beef was imported or domestic, the highest percentage in this category.

Part of the reason may be that foreign beef is already common in supermarkets. Australia supplies approximately half of Japan's beef supply.

The survey revealed that 73 percent of respondents would buy domestic produce, even if the price is 10 percent more expensive than imported products.

Japanese consumers are also concerned about where the products come from, with 84 percent of respondents saying they would "always" or "sometimes" check origin of product.