Hotel Asia 2026, one of the Maldives' largest hospitality-related trade shows, was held from 28 to 30 September, with 3 Japanese companies exhibiting in the Japan Pavilion. Oke Food Industry, Kaneku and Uji no Tsuyu Tea exhibited jointly, aiming to develop local distributor relationships and raise awareness of Japanese tea and food products.
Hotel Asia 2026, one of the Maldives' largest hospitality-related trade shows, was held on Hulhumalé Island, with 175 companies from 45 countries exhibiting over 3 days, a total of 260 booths set up and 4,258 visitors attending. Companies from a wide range of fields participated, including food and beverages, kitchen equipment and furniture for hotels and resorts.
JETRO set up the Japan Pavilion as part of its Global Gateway for Japanese Foods initiative, which supports the global expansion of Japanese food products. Oke Food Industry, Kaneku and Uji no Tsuyu Tea exhibited at the pavilion.
The exhibiting companies were Oke Food Industry, focused mainly on inari-age, Kaneku, which targets demand for wasabi with an emphasis on quality, and Uji no Tsuyu Tea, which offered Japanese tea products. Each sought to develop distributor relationships and strengthen ties with local chefs.
Visitors showed strong interest in demand for Japanese food. In particular, the large number of Japanese restaurants at luxury resorts suggested potential for greater awareness of Japanese tea and expanded sales channels.