Venchi Enters New Growth Phase in Japan - Initiates Long-Term Strategic Investment Plan
Venchi, a premium Italian chocolate and gelato brand, is entering a new growth phase in Japan by strengthening its joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and initiating a long-term investment plan to expand its store network and solidify its market leadership.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 01:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 17:31
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Venchi, a premium chocolate and gelato brand from Italy, is entering a new growth phase in Japan. Under an evolved joint venture structure with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and a long-term investment plan, the company aims to expand its store network over the next seven years, reinforcing its position as a leading premium chocolate and gelato brand in Japan.
Japan is a key market in Venchi's global strategy, driven by a high appreciation for Italian craftsmanship, a premium gift culture, and an interest in high-quality food. Since opening its first Choco Gelateria in Ginza in 2019, Venchi has opened 11 stores, primarily in Tokyo and Osaka, steadily expanding its customer base. The Ginza flagship store is scheduled for renovation in June 2026, further modernizing its presence in a prominent Tokyo area.
The new joint venture structure represents a significant step demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Japanese market. Venchi S.p.A. will acquire a majority stake in Venchi Japan, enhancing governance and strategic direction, while continuing its long-standing partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. This strengthened structure will build a robust foundation to support nationwide retail expansion.
The integration of Venchi's global brand management expertise with Mitsui & Co.'s deep understanding of the Japanese market will continue to be central to growth in Japan. This evolution signifies Venchi's high confidence in the Japanese market and its willingness to invest in an organizational structure that supports retail excellence, brand building, and long-term growth.
At the start of this new phase, Frederik Jedda has been appointed CEO of Venchi Japan. With his extensive experience in the Japanese premium retail sector and proven operational track record, Jedda will lead the next stage of growth in alignment with Venchi's long-term strategy.
Venchi's presence in Japan is further boosted by changing consumer perceptions. Trends such as the growth in 'treat yourself' spending, increasing interest in experiential retail, and a focus on clean, high-quality products strongly resonate with Venchi's values. Venchi cherishes a sophisticated palate, a commitment to authenticity, the pursuit of well-being and indulgence, and the creation of genuine moments of joy to share with others.
Guided by this philosophy, Venchi offers experiences rooted in Italian craftsmanship while carefully incorporating Japanese expectations. As a result, it delivers premium, contemporary proposals that remain true to the brand's heritage yet naturally align with Japanese consumer preferences.
'Japan is one of the three most important markets for our group's future growth,' stated Marco Gallimberti, Venchi APAC CEO. 'With the support of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., we will accelerate our efforts over the next seven years, aiming to become a top-tier premium chocolate brand in Japan, with clear goals and a long-term vision.'
As part of this plan, Venchi will make significant investments, aiming for over 20 new store openings, focusing on major cities and high-traffic locations.
'Demand for premium retail with high experiential value continues to grow in the Japanese market. Venchi is in an excellent position to meet these expectations,' commented Mr. Yamada, Department Manager of Lifestyle Business Division 1, Retail Business Department, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 'This strengthened partnership will allow us to fully leverage the brand's potential across Japan.'
Venchi's Global Growth
Venchi currently operates over 220 stores in more than 70 countries and regions, including Europe, Asia, the USA, and the Middle East. The focused initiative in the Japanese market reflects the company's long-term strategy to build strong, locally rooted partnerships and achieve high-quality, sustainable growth.
Key Data (Japan)
* Market Entry in Japan: 2019
* Current Number of Stores: 11
* New Store Opening Plan (2026-2032): Over 20 stores
About Venchi
Venchi was founded in the 1800s in Piedmont, Italy, by Silviano Venchi, a man passionate about chocolate. Silviano's talent for presenting chocolate like a jewel was highly acclaimed, and the store...
Japan is a key market in Venchi's global strategy, driven by a high appreciation for Italian craftsmanship, a premium gift culture, and an interest in high-quality food. Since opening its first Choco Gelateria in Ginza in 2019, Venchi has opened 11 stores, primarily in Tokyo and Osaka, steadily expanding its customer base. The Ginza flagship store is scheduled for renovation in June 2026, further modernizing its presence in a prominent Tokyo area.
The new joint venture structure represents a significant step demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Japanese market. Venchi S.p.A. will acquire a majority stake in Venchi Japan, enhancing governance and strategic direction, while continuing its long-standing partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. This strengthened structure will build a robust foundation to support nationwide retail expansion.
The integration of Venchi's global brand management expertise with Mitsui & Co.'s deep understanding of the Japanese market will continue to be central to growth in Japan. This evolution signifies Venchi's high confidence in the Japanese market and its willingness to invest in an organizational structure that supports retail excellence, brand building, and long-term growth.
At the start of this new phase, Frederik Jedda has been appointed CEO of Venchi Japan. With his extensive experience in the Japanese premium retail sector and proven operational track record, Jedda will lead the next stage of growth in alignment with Venchi's long-term strategy.
Venchi's presence in Japan is further boosted by changing consumer perceptions. Trends such as the growth in 'treat yourself' spending, increasing interest in experiential retail, and a focus on clean, high-quality products strongly resonate with Venchi's values. Venchi cherishes a sophisticated palate, a commitment to authenticity, the pursuit of well-being and indulgence, and the creation of genuine moments of joy to share with others.
Guided by this philosophy, Venchi offers experiences rooted in Italian craftsmanship while carefully incorporating Japanese expectations. As a result, it delivers premium, contemporary proposals that remain true to the brand's heritage yet naturally align with Japanese consumer preferences.
'Japan is one of the three most important markets for our group's future growth,' stated Marco Gallimberti, Venchi APAC CEO. 'With the support of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., we will accelerate our efforts over the next seven years, aiming to become a top-tier premium chocolate brand in Japan, with clear goals and a long-term vision.'
As part of this plan, Venchi will make significant investments, aiming for over 20 new store openings, focusing on major cities and high-traffic locations.
'Demand for premium retail with high experiential value continues to grow in the Japanese market. Venchi is in an excellent position to meet these expectations,' commented Mr. Yamada, Department Manager of Lifestyle Business Division 1, Retail Business Department, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 'This strengthened partnership will allow us to fully leverage the brand's potential across Japan.'
Venchi's Global Growth
Venchi currently operates over 220 stores in more than 70 countries and regions, including Europe, Asia, the USA, and the Middle East. The focused initiative in the Japanese market reflects the company's long-term strategy to build strong, locally rooted partnerships and achieve high-quality, sustainable growth.
Key Data (Japan)
* Market Entry in Japan: 2019
* Current Number of Stores: 11
* New Store Opening Plan (2026-2032): Over 20 stores
About Venchi
Venchi was founded in the 1800s in Piedmont, Italy, by Silviano Venchi, a man passionate about chocolate. Silviano's talent for presenting chocolate like a jewel was highly acclaimed, and the store...