In 2016, the Netherlands exported 402,000 kg of snack tomatoes to Japan. That is 134,000 kg more than in the previous year. For the third year in a row also strawberries were supplied. The volume increased significantly compared to 2015: from 60,000 to more than 106,000 kilograms.
These figures are in the annual report of the KCB (Quality Control Bureau), that performs the export inspections for Japan. The annual report shows that the popularity of Japan as market is increasing. Last year 85 companies signed up for monitoring export of fruiting vegetables to Japan. That is an increase of 9 compared with 2015. The companies are divided over the products pepper, tomato, strawberry, eggplant, chilli and cucumber.
In early December pepper export stopped because the growing season for all companies had ended. Exports of Dutch peppers to Japan in 2016 is similar to previous years; more than six million kg. For the fourth consecutive year tomatoes, including snack tomatoes, were exported to Japan. Four tomato growing companies continues to grow during the winter months. The total in 2016 was 402,000 kg (2015: 268,000 kg, 2014: 288,000 kg, 2013: 304,000 kg, 2012: 101,000 kg). For the third year in a row strawberries were supplied. The volume increased significantly compared to 2015: from 60,000 kg to more than 106,000 kg. In 2016 also more than 3,000 kg of zucchini was supplied to Japan.