Seven Guam businesses showcased their Made in Guam products to thousands of Japanese consumers during the inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival at Izu Gateway Kannami in Shizuoka, Japan, according to Guam Economic Development Authority officials.
The event, hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority, allowed Asiga, Denanche Guam, Everything Guam, Local Jerk Guam, Green Turtle Coffee, Kingfisher's Noni and The Coconut Tree Company to sell directly to Japanese consumers.
“The inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival is a celebration of the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Guam and Japan,” said Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. “The festival is laying the groundwork for Guam businesses to have a stronger direct consumer presence in the Japan market.”
GEDA Board Director Shin Taira said the idea for the festival began five years ago as a means to support local entrepreneurs and create pathways into new markets.
“This was a historic milestone for GEDA, our local entrepreneurs, and Guam and it was exciting to see our vision realized and experience it firsthand with our Guam delegation,” Taira said.
Ahead of the festival the seven businesses also had the opportunity to share their products with elected Japanese officials, media and social media influencers, businesses, associations and other organizations at the Taste of Guam event held at Mishima Plaza Hotel.
"Mishima Plaza Hotel’s executive chef, specializing in French cuisine, presented an array of dishes highlighting the Guam products as part of a CHamoru-French inspired menu," GEDA said.
GEDA said the events generated discussions with several businesses about promotional opportunities and potential sales partnerships aimed at keeping Made in Guam products in Japan's consumer and food-service markets.
