Vacancy – Post of Receptionists
17 Avr 2026
Mauritius strengthened its presence in Asian food and beverage markets through its participation at FOODEX Japan 2026, where the Economic Development Board (EDB) led a delegation of six Mauritian companies showcasing a range of agri-food products. Held from 10 to 13 March at Tokyo Big Sight, FOODEX is one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions. The 2026 edition brought together around 3,200 exhibitors from 76 countries and attracted approximately 73,000 professional visitors, including importers, distributors, retailers and hospitality operators seeking new products.
The Mauritian pavilion presented a variety of products reflecting the island’s agricultural expertise and growing value-added processing capabilities. Exhibitors showcased rum, specialty sugars including Low (GI) sugars, farmed fish, vanilla, seaweed and moringa-based products. While Japan remains an important destination for imported specialty products, FOODEX also offers Mauritian companies’ exposure to buyers from neighbouring markets such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, making the exhibition a strategic platform to expand across the region.
Mauritian seafood attracted strong interest during the exhibition, particularly during food-tasting sessions that showcased its quality. The Director of Ferme Marine de Mahebourg (FMM) Mr. Pierre Yves Semasse noted that “FOODEX has generated strong interest from importers and distributors seeking reliable suppliers of responsibly farmed seafood, reinforcing the strong potential for Mauritian fish in Asian markets”
Mauritian rum also garnered interest among buyers. Mr Jérôme Jaen from Omnicane Ltd reported encouraging discussions with importers, particularly for rum, with enquiries also extending to antioxidant sugar from buyers in neighbouring markets. He noted that “while rum remains a niche segment, there is clear curiosity among buyers for products with a strong identity and distinctive production processes.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Sukhbir Puri of House of Lords highlighted the emerging opportunities for Mauritian rum in Asia, stating that “there is a growing interest in authentic rum with a compelling origin story. Mauritius has the potential to position itself in this niche segment, but sustained follow-up with interested buyers will be essential to translate that interest into concrete opportunities.” He further noted that, alongside rum, whisky also showed promising potential.
In addition to seafood, rum and special sugars, Mauritian vanilla and seaweed products also captured the interest of buyers at the exhibition. Visitors showed particular curiosity about seaweed-based products, reflecting the growing appetite in Asian markets for innovative ingredients.
Overall, participation at FOODEX Japan 2026 proved valuable in generating good contact with buyers and industry professionals from across the region. The event highlights the continued efforts of EDB to support Mauritian enterprises in expanding into Asian markets. Sustained follow-up and engagement with the contacts established will now be essential to translate these initial discussions into lasting commercial partnerships.
