Frozen Food Market Reaches Record High of Approximately ¥1.36 Trillion — Why Are Sushi and Milk Now Being Frozen?

RX Japan LLC (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Executive Officer and President: Takeshi Tanaka) will host the food exhibitions 'JFEX,' 'Japanese Food Export EXPO,' and 'International Food Logistics EXPO' for three days from June 24 (Wed) to 26 (Fri), 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. The event will bring together cutting-edge frozen food products and frozen logistics solutions, including items like sushi and milk, which were previously not commonly associated with freezing.

Three Key Factors Driving the Frozen Food Market

In Japan, frozen food consumption is projected to reach approximately ¥1.36 trillion in 2025, a 4.1% increase from the previous year, marking a new record high. [*¹]

The global frozen food market is also expanding, expected to reach approximately $325 billion in 2025 and continue growing at an average annual rate of around 5% thereafter. [*²] This growth is fueled by three structural changes: labor shortages in the food service and prepared food sectors, advancements in freezing technology, and the increasing global demand for Japanese cuisine.

① Severe Labor Shortages (Food Service and Prepared Foods)

In the commercial sector, labor shortages are driving increased adoption of frozen foods. They are becoming essential for restaurants and hotels as substitutes for time-consuming preparation. Additionally, with the rise of dual-income and single-person households, demand for time-saving and convenient solutions is rapidly growing in households as well.

② Advancements in Freezing Technology (Quality Revolution)

Rapid freezing and instant freezing technologies have significantly improved the retention of texture, flavor, and color. The perception of frozen food is shifting from 'frozen = lower quality' to 'frozen = a technology that maintains quality while increasing distribution and service flexibility.'

③ Growing Demand for Japanese Cuisine (Export Infrastructure)

The rising popularity of sushi and Japanese cuisine overseas has increased demand for Japanese food. However, challenges such as a shortage of skilled artisans and maintaining freshness in local markets remain. Freezing technology and frozen logistics are now emerging as essential infrastructure to address these challenges and support Japanese food exports.

*¹ Japan Frozen Food Association, 'Frozen Food Production and Consumption in Reiwa 7 (Preliminary Report)'

*² Fortune Business Insights, 'Frozen Food Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis'

Evolving Frozen Foods – Featured Products and Services (Selected Examples)

【Frozen Foods】

Frozen Yamato-imo Tororo

Premium tororo made from carefully selected 'Yamato-imo,' a high-end Japanese yam with a long tradition. Crafted with artisanal techniques and preserved using rapid freezing technology to retain the stickiness and nutrients at harvest. Enables stable year-round supply, making it reliable for menu development.

[Exhibitor: Maruko Foods Co., Ltd., 'Bringing the Bounty of the Earth to Your Table']

[Frozen] Authentic Frozen Sushi Rice Balls (100% Japanese Rice) – Recreate a Chef's Flavor, Just Add Your Favorite Toppings!

Frozen sushi rice balls made from 100% domestically grown Japanese rice. The frozen format extends shelf life, and users can microwave only the amount needed, helping reduce food waste. Rapidly frozen while fresh.

[Exhibitor: Mitsubashi Co., Ltd. >>>Integrated Rice Manufacturer<<<]

Frozen Hokkaido Betsukai Grass-Fed Milk

Grass-fed milk made from raw milk of cows raised year-round on 100% homegrown forage in Betsukai, Hokkaido. Features a 'crystal-clear taste' that highlights the natural flavor of grass, thanks to low-temperature pasteurization and non-homogenized processing. Thanks to proprietary instant freezing technology, it can be stored frozen for about six months from the manufacturing date. After thawing, flavor remains intact, allowing for approximately 10 days of refrigerated sales.

[Exhibitor: Ohisama Farm Co., Ltd.]

Frozen Sandwich

Premium frozen sandwiches supervised by Michelin-starred chefs, crafted to deliver the authentic taste of hotel dining. Simply toast in a toaster to enjoy freshly baked open-faced sandwiches.

[Exhibitor: DELIPICKS Co., Ltd.]

【Logistics】

Barihie Mixed Cargo Service (Marine Frozen Consolidation Transport Service)

Utilizing refrigerated containers (reefer containers), this service maintains the container temperature at -20°C while transporting goods to two destinations: Hong Kong and Singapore. Primarily used for transporting food items such as fresh meat, seafood, bread, and cakes.

[Exhibitor: Seino Logistics Co., Ltd.]

Export-Dedicated Frozen Bonded Warehouse

A new export-dedicated frozen bonded warehouse has been established in Heiwajima, Tokyo. The facility offers not only freshness-preserving storage but also flexible support for diverse and detailed customer needs, including shipment timing adjustments, labeling according to destination, and compliance with animal and plant quarantine regulations. This enables smoother and more secure food exports.

[Exhibitor: NAX JAPAN Co., Ltd.]

Event Overview

A food and beverage exhibition featuring approximately 700 exhibitors*³

Name: 12th Japanese Food Export EXPO SUMMER

JFEX SUMMER (8th International Food & Beverage Business Week)

3rd International Food Logistics EXPO [FoodLogiX]

Dates: June 24 (Wed) – 26 (Fri), 2026, 10:00–17:00

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight

Organizer: RX Japan LLC

Official Website: https://www.jfex.jp/hub/en-us.html

Press Registration: https://www.jfex.jp/jfex/en-us/press.html

*³ The number of exhibitors is a final estimate for the three exhibitions combined and may vary at the time of the event. Includes not only contracted exhibitors but also group and partner companies participating jointly.

About RX Japan

＜Company Overview＞

・Japan's largest exhibition organizer, hosting 109 exhibitions across 38 fields annually

・A member of RX Global, with a network spanning 25 countries worldwide

Company Name: RX Japan LLC

Representative: Representative Executive Officer and President Takeshi Tanaka

Established: August 1986

Headquarters: Yaesu Central Tower 11F, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0028

Official Website: https://www.rxjapan.jp/

Contact: Exhibition Secretariat, Public Relations

Phone: +81-3-6739-4133 Email: jfex.jp@rxglobal.com

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If you wish to conduct interviews with exhibitors or photograph products, we can assist with scheduling. This is a valuable opportunity to explore the latest industry trends and uncover development stories. We also welcome advance consultations on interview targets or themes upon request.