On 6 October 2023, H.E. Ambassador Baraka Luvanda had a meeting with a delegation from ITO EN Company, Japan's number one tea company which also deals with coffee and other beverages. The delegation was led by Mr. Shinichi Inoue, who is the Chief of Coffee Brand Group, Product, and Marketing. Accompanying Ambassador Luvanda were Ms. Edna Dioniz Chuku, First Secretary - Economic Affairs, and other Embassy's Local Based Staff.
The meeting was held to discuss ways to strengthen the coffee business between Japan and Tanzania, which has been on a steady increase over the years. The discussions focused on identifying opportunities for Tanzania's coffee industry in Japan and how to improve existing trade relations. The delegation expressed their interest in buying more high-quality coffee beans from Tanzania, for producing premium coffee blends that are more appealing to Japanese coffee lovers under the market name of Kilimanjaro Coffee, with reference to Tanzania's most popular tourist attraction, Mount Kilimanjaro.
In attendance also, were representatives from Tully's Coffee, ITO EN's counterparts in the coffee industry, who provided invaluable inputs and insights regarding their success in coffee business with Tanzania. They shared their experiences working with Tanzanian coffee farmers in Mbeya and Arusha (Karatu) regions and how they have been able to source high-quality coffee beans from Tanzania for their blends.
The meeting proved to be an extremely productive platform for both parties to exchange ideas and strategies for future collaborations. The delegation from ITO EN Company demonstrated unwavering commitment to work with Tanzania to enhance the coffee industry and bolster trade relations between the two countries. They also asserted their plans to launch another Tanzania coffee brand next year.
Ambassador Luvanda conveyed his gratitude to the delegation for their visit and extended assurance of the Embassy's complete cooperation in enabling their business endeavors with Tanzania.
