Cornish Chilli Jam Heads to Japan: What Happened When Boddingtons Took a Bite Out of Tokyo

Cornish favourite Boddingtons recently returned from a flavour-packed trade mission to Japan, showcasing their popular preserves to a brand-new audience.

From Cornwall to Tokyo and Osaka

In June, the team behind Boddingtons took part in a trade mission to Japan, travelling to both Tokyo and Osaka for a series of events and meetings aimed at breaking into the Japanese market.

The trip included their appearance at the Festival of Flavours, where they proudly introduced Japanese visitors to their Chilli Jam and Red Onion Relish for the first time. According to the team, the products received a warm welcome and sparked promising conversations with potential buyers.

High-Paced Business and Cultural Adventures

As part of the mission, Boddingtons took part in “Meet the Buyer” sessions, where they connected directly with importers and retailers. These meetings were described as fast-paced and productive, helping to lay the groundwork for future opportunities in Japan.

The experience wasn’t just about business. The team also immersed themselves in Japanese culture, joining a traditional matcha tea ceremony alongside Cornish Tea and exploring Tokyo with one of their existing customers. Highlights included temple visits, ramen, and a taste of chocolate and red wine raisin scones.

A Milestone Moment

The team described the trip as a milestone for the fourth-generation Cornish business, combining insight and inspiration with valuable new connections. They returned home energised and full of ideas for how Boddingtons could fit into Japan’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

They also thanked the Department for Business and Trade for making the trip possible and hinted at more to come from their international expansion.