In September, the Japan Export Promotion Organization (JETRO) selected Karatomari Ebisu Oysters as Fukuoka Prefecture’s representative product for a project in which JETRO will promote one product from each prefecture for export. With the support of JETRO, Fukuoka City and the City Fishing Cooperative plan to increase oyster exports by a factor of four over the next five years. The Karatomari branch of the City Fishing Cooperative began full-scale oyster production at Karatomari Fishing Port (Nishi-ku) in 2003, and last year’s 119-ton haul was the biggest in the city. The brand-name oysters have gained popularity since placing second in last year’s 1st Annual Oyster Competition sponsored by the Japan Oyster Association. They are now used at high-end restaurants in Hong Kong and were also selected for a Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries brand promotion project in August. Under its scheme, JETRO will provide producers with export know-how and introduce them to overseas buyers. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 10/4
