Diana Farah

DUBAI: A Japanese fruits and vegetables tasting event took place in Dubai on Dec. 13, an exhibition organized by the Japan Fruit and Vegetable Export Promotion Council. 

Taking place at the popular authentic Japanese restaurant TOMO, the tasting event aimed to promote the freshness of Japanese fruit products. Several produce companies showcased their fresh products ranging from crown melons, strawberries and grapes to sweet potatoes, lemons and persimmons.

The Japan Fruit and Vegetable Export Promotion Council collected and provided information on the exporting of the domestically produced fruit and vegetables and their processed products. 

Globally, the demand for these products is gradually increasing, which is why the council is promoting them in the UAE, as well as on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the GCC country. 

Various Japanese representatives gave small presentations on their fruit offerings before the tasting event began, giving guests an idea of what is to come. 

First, a representative from Japan’s Crown Melon gave detailed information on what is known as the ‘King of Japanese fruits,’ the crown melon, which can be enjoyed throughout the year regardless of the season. 

Next, a representative from Oita Produce explained how their products are grown, with a lineup of pears, grapes and mandarins. 

Samurai Summit Co. is popular for its sweet potatoes, in Japan and around the world. They are also known to produce fresh strawberries. 

Japan’s Syukaen Nagano representative also showcased the company’s products, giving guests a preview of the grapes, persimmons and grape juice they would later taste. 

Lemons from Hiroshima Lemon provided information about their juice factory, explaining that they take up about 60 percent of lemon production in Japan. The lemons are known to have no preservatives, making it safe for people to even eat the lemon skin. 

Finally, two representatives from Hokkaido’s Hiro Farm, popular for chestnut, pumpkin and strawberry, explained that solar panels were used for their produce, making it sustainable. 

The event was attended by about 100 guests, including Japanese Ambassador to the UAE ISOMATA Akio and Dubai’s Consul-General SEKIGUCHI Noboru.

Ambassador Isomata expressed his gratitude for being able to showcase Japanese products in Dubai, and helping promote Japan’s culture and produce in the region. 

The event also featured a traditional Japanese dance known as Nihon buyou, which was performed by Mihoko Otsubo.