Mozuku is cultivated only in Japan, and Okinawa holds a 99% share of the world's mozuku market. Okinawa mozuku is considered to be the best tasting seaweed in Japan, although a variety of seaweeds have been eaten in Japan since ancient times. So, will Okinawa mozuku become popular in other countries as well?
This article will show that Okinawa mozuku is popular in Taiwan and China as a substitute for the luxury food "hair greens" and is also popular among vegetarian vegans in New York City. Furthermore, the challenges of marketing Okinawa mozuku in foreign countries are also presented.
This will help you understand the health and beauty benefits of Okinawa mozuku, and how to promote it to people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as to vegans in the United States.
We hope this article will be helpful to buyers interested in Okinawa mozuku when they are considering whether or not to import it. Please read to the end of this article as we will explain Okinawa mozuku with actual examples.
Popular in Taiwan and China as a substitute for the high-end food "髪菜"
In July 2022, "Okinawa Fair in Hong Kong" was held at Don Quijote's China and Hong Kong store "Don Don Donki". 133 items including Okinawa mozuku seaweed and awamori were sold, totaling 9,500 items. (Reference website: https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-1568112.html)
Okinawa mozuku is exported not only to Don Quijote but also to China and Hong Kong through other distribution channels, and "mozuku vinegar" is a popular ingredient served at Japanese restaurants. In addition, China and Hong Kong import Okinawa mozuku as a substitute for the high-end foodstuff "hairtail" (furzai).
Hair mustard is a type of cyanobacteria found in the semi-desert plateau of China, and has been used as a good luck charm in China because the pronunciation of "hair mustard" is similar to "発財. However, overharvesting of hair mustard led to environmental destruction, and its collection was banned after 2000. Okinawa mozuku has since been substituted for it because of its similarity in appearance to hair greens.
Hair greens and Okinawa mozuku are similar not only in appearance, but also in their health benefits. Hair mustard is believed to suppress elevated cholesterol and strengthen the immune system, and mozuku is expected to have the same effects. Mozuku is not only a good luck charm, but also a food for longevity.
Also popular with vegan vegans in New York City
In March 2019, New York-based RESOBOX, Inc. set up a "mozuku tasting corner" at WeWork, the largest sharing office service provider, as part of its overseas expansion support services. (Reference website: https://resomethod.com/american-reaction-mozuku/ )
Mozuku is written as "Mozuku" in English, but for Americans, all seaweed is lumped together under Seaweed, and not many people know what Mozuku is. Americans are not fond of the sourness of mozuku vinegar.
Instead, we offered three different flavors: spicy miso, cream cheese, and ginger, and the spicy miso was the most popular. And the smooth texture and ease of eating Okinawan mozuku has been well received.
Veganism is becoming popular in the U.S., especially in New York, and Vegans have quite stoic restrictions and a great interest in health foods. If we target Vegans and promote the super food "Okinawa mozuku", it is likely to take root in the US market.
Issues in Selling Okinawa Mozuku in Foreign Countries
One of the challenges in selling Okinawa mozuku overseas is that it is not well known. Even in Taiwan, where it is most prevalent, Okinawa mozuku is not well known and cannot be sold simply by displaying it in supermarkets.
In order to increase the visibility of Okinawa mozuku, it is necessary to promote the attractiveness of Okinawa mozuku. So what is the appeal of Okinawa mozuku? In conclusion, Okinawa mozuku is highly effective for health and beauty.
The fucoidan contained in Okinawa mozuku is attracting attention from all over the world because it is expected to enhance the ability to attack cancer cells, boost immunity, relieve constipation, prevent diabetes, and have anti-obesity effects.
People in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, as well as New York-based vegans, are highly interested in health and beauty, and many people have read research papers on the effects of fucoidan contained in Okinawa mozuku.
Reference site: "Expected Health Benefits of Okinawa Mozuku
If the health and beauty benefits of Okinawa mozuku are promoted and marketed to vegans in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S., there is a good chance that Okinawa mozuku will become popular abroad as well.
Furthermore, the naming of Okinawa mozuku needs to be creative. For example, "Diet Super Food Okinawa Mozuku" (there must be a better name than "Diet Super Food Okinawa Mozuku"), which directly conveys the appeal of Okinawa Mozuku, would be a good selling point at supermarkets.
Reference: Efforts to Expand Exports of Okinawa Mozuku
Conclusion：
Okinawa mozuku is imported from Taiwan and China as a substitute for the high-end food "hair greens". Furthermore, it is also a favorite food of New York Vegans, but the disadvantage is that it is still not well known.
People in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, as well as American vegans, are highly interested in health and beauty, and the fucoidan in Okinawa mozuku has been attracting attention for its ability to attack cancer cells, boost immunity, relieve constipation, prevent diabetes, and have an anti-obesity effect. Fucoidan has been attracting attention for its effects on the body. If these characteristics are promoted and marketed, Okinawa mozuku will become popular in foreign countries as well.
Please learn about the appeal of Okinawan mozuku, understand that it can be sold in foreign countries, and consider importing Okinawan mozuku.
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