INAC to participate in the Supermarkets Trade Show in Tokyo

Between February 18 and 20, INAC will participate in the Supermarkets Trade Show in Tokyo, one of the most relevant events in Japan and Asia for the supermarket and food and beverage retail sector. The fair is organized by the National Supermarket Association of Japan together with Congres Inc., and its 2025 edition gathered more than 77,300 visitors and over 3,600 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, according to INAC.

Japan is the world’s fifth-largest beef importer, accounting for 6% of global trade by value, although 85% of its imports come from Australia and the United States. Uruguay is authorized to export boneless beef to Japan and in 2025 shipped US$ 41 million to that market, representing 1% of its total exports.

Japan is the main destination for Uruguayan beef tongue. In 2025, 94% of exports of this product were shipped to Japan, totaling US$ 22 million. Japan granted market access for Uruguayan beef tongues in 2022.

Uruguayan beef faces a 38.5% tariff in Japan, compared with the 21.6% rate paid by its competitors, a gap that limits growth and could narrow if Uruguay completes its accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

INAC has been participating in this fair since 2023 and in this edition will have a 72-square-meter stand, where loin and rib eye will be offered for tasting. In addition, the Institute will organize a special tasting event at the Super Bacana Ginza restaurant in Tokyo for importers, distributors and chefs, featuring loin, rib eye and beef tongue in different preparations.