Japanese retail giant Aeon is visiting Turkey this week with a view to importing Turkish fruit for its stores across Japan, reports Turkish publication Today's Zaman.
An Aeon procurement delegation met with 44 Turkish citrus export managers in Izmir, Turkey, on Monday, and is expected to hold meetings with businessmen from Mersin, the centre of Turkey's citrus production during the course of its visit.
Turkish-Japanese Friendship Association chairman Toshiyuki Koiwa, present at the talks as a facilitator, said Aeon could provide a "jumpstart" in penetrating the Japanese market for Turkish fruit businesses.
Once a deal is signed with the largest retailer, smaller-scale companies from Japan would be willing to enter the Turkish market to import Mediterranean fruits – a luxury item for most Japanese consumers, he said.
Aeon representative Katsuhito Inakubo said the delegation will visit packhouses after holding talks with producers, to check they are in line with the company's quality standards.
Aeon will first import Turkish grapefruit if business is successful, and other fruit imports may soon follow, he said.
Mr Inakubo said there was great potential for Turkish lemons and cherries in Japan.
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