Japan: Eataly makes new effort to launch partnership

Eataly is making a new effort at establishing a foothold in Japanm with the newly formed Eataly Asia Pacfic partnership of Eataly Distribution, Mitsui&Co and Kichiri&Co. The brand’s relaunch on the Japanese market, after an initial attempt in 2008 that failed to yield the expected results, will consist of point-of-purchase sales, restaurants, cooking schools and the importation of Italian food products to the Asia Pacific region. The Mitsui Trading Company will hold a majority 63.5% share, with Kichiri holding a 34% share. Eataly Asia Pacific will begin with the management of two points-of-purchase in Japan and plans a gradual expansion in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympics.