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Japan

Canada and Japan have been strong trading partners for the past 80 years. Cultural relationships have been active for even longer. The influence of Japanese cuisine is dominant throughout the Okanagan Valley due to the region’s ability to produce many similar fruit and vegetables. People to people and business to business linkages are strong as well, with many Japanese companies having ownership in Okanagan businesses.

There is strong cultural link between the Okanagan Valley and Japan. Many of the Okanagan cities have sister cities in Japan.
Sister Cities:
- Penticton – Ikeda
- Kelowna – Kasugai
- Summerland – Toyokoro
- Vernon – Tome, Miyagi – Japan
Kelowna is currently developing a MOU between the Nagoya region and the City of Kelowna to develop trade and investment opportunities.
Canada and Japan share a strong trade market which is directly reflected in the amount of Okanagan product exported. Japan receives a large amount of high value, specialty product from the Valley, including highly sought after ice wines, specialty chocolates and distilled water.
Business relationships on a “one to one” basis also flourish in the export sector with Paragon Wood Products sending almost all of their products to the country.

A Few Business Examples

Rogers Foods
BC’s only flour and cereal mill was purchased by Nisshin Seifun Group of Tokyo, Japan in 1989. Rogers primary operation remains in Armstrong, BC. The Nisshin Seifun Group owns a variety of companies worldwide including flour mills, food products, pet food, and pharmaceuticals.

Lew Rossner
info@rogersfoods.com
www.rogersfoods.com
Okanagan Spring Brewery
Based in Vernon, Okanagan Spring Brewery started as a small craft brewer in 1985. Today, the brewery is owned by Sapporo, one of Japan’s largest brewers. The Okanagan Spring continues to offer a variety of craft beers including Pale Ale, 1516 Bavarian Lager, Original Lager, Porter, Brewmaster’ Black Lager, and a Hefeweizen.

Larry Kerwin
250-542-2337
info@okspring.com
www.okspring.com