Japanese scallops, known as hotate, are highly accredited for their flavor, size, and quality. Aiming to expand the international market for hotate, the Japan Scallop Export Promotion Association (J-Hotate) will present Japanese scallops at the 2024 Seafood Expo Global event in Barcelona, at the end of April.
According to J-Hotate, the Japanese scallop industry is unique compared to other parts of the world in that the proximity of fishing grounds and ports allows for scallops to be processed and distributed immediately after they are caught. Considering the efficiency of harvesting and distribution, it has become a common custom in Japan for scallops to be eaten raw. Additionally, scallops can be rapidly frozen right after landing, allowing overseas distribution while maintaining quality, and it is this market that J-Hotate aims to expand.
Exports of Japanese scallop products from Japan to other countries reached a record high of 128,000 tonnes in 2022 despite setbacks to the industry caused by the COVID pandemic. J-Hotate is seeking to further increase these exports, having already participated in the Seafood Expo in Boston and Singapore and receiving positive reactions from participants at both.
According to a press release from the association: “[J-Hotate’s] goals with the first exhibition in Europe are to increase the export of Japanese scallops and promote the traditional Japanese ‘eating raw’ culture to taste the fullness of scallops' rich nutritional value.”
The association’s booth will include a business meeting space, an introduction to Japanese scallop products and production areas, as well as tasting samples of scallops shipped straight from Japan in sushi, sashimi, and fried styles.
