As a preview to their presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Yuwa Group, a Japanese distributor of consumer and household products.
Yuwa Group was established in 1965 as an importer of consumer goods mainly from Europe, and over the last 20 years has begun working with U.S. suppliers as well. Yuwa is presently the sole agent for Chantal Cookware Corporation in Japan. Utilizing its 20 distribution centers throughout Japan, Yuwa efficiently supplies over 100,000 items to 200 key retailers representing over 23,000 stores. Yuwa is the first company in Japan to receive the “Product Safety Award” from the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry.
Mr. Keiichi Kobayashi, CEO and President of Yuwa Group, together with Mr. James Karani of Yuwa’s International Agent Department, will present an overview of the Japanese retail market. President Kobayashi, who took over leadership of Yuwa Group from his father over 20 years ago, enjoys playing ice hockey in his free time. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, James Karani, a rugby fan, has lived in Japan for 20 years and has been in management with the Yuwa Group for 12 years.
During the IBC Global Forum taking place in Miami from September 17-19, President Kobayashi and James Karani will give insight into the often-confusing Japanese housewares market.
