Costco Japan receives first shipment of Canadian peppers

Last week, Canada gained market access for British Columbia greenhouse peppers into Japan. Windset Farms was the first company to ship fresh bell peppers. The consignment was successfully cleared at customs by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries over the weekend and is now in stores at Costco Japan in Kanagawa, ready for sale.

Windset Farms Maestro Sweet Bell Peppers received at Costco Japan warehouse. Pictured with Ken Theriault (Costco Country Manager Japan) and Karra-Lee Gerrits (Trade Commission of the Government of Canada)

This process for gaining market access has been over 25 years in the making between the Canadian and Japanese government bodies. “The Government of Canada continues to work to create new opportunities for Canadian farmers and agri-food exporters in key markets all over the world,” says Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (Canada). “I am pleased that producers can start exporting B.C. greenhouse peppers to Japan,” he adds.

Windset Farms Maestro Sweet Bell Peppers received at Costco Japan warehouse. Pictured Costco Japan and Government of Canada officials.

Costco Japan will be the first company to receive Canadian peppers. They opened their first warehouse in Japan in 1999, and have since expanded to 25 warehouses. Costco Japan has been at the forefront of retail innovation in Japan, bringing in the concept of wholesale and now, importing the first shipment of Canadian bell peppers.

Windset Farms Maestro Sweet Bell Peppers received at Costco Japan warehouse in Kanagawa.

For more information:
Windset Farms
3660-41B Street
Delta BC V4K 3N2
Canada
Phone: (604) 940-7700
Fax: (604) 940-7711
www.windsetfarms.com