Japan’s Ambassador Visits Sfax Over Olive Oil Exports

Japan’s ambassador to Tunisia, Saito Jun, traveled to Sfax from October 22 to 24, 2026, to join a forum dedicated to promoting Tunisian olive oil exports to Japan, organized by Faouzi Zayani, president of the Tunisia Olive Tree Association (“Zitouna”).

A Japanese Expert’s View on What Buyers Want

The event, held at the Ibis Sfax hotel, featured Japanese olive oil expert Toshiya Tada, who traveled to Tunisia to share his expertise with local producers and discuss what Japanese buyers look for in imported olive oil. Tada presented market research from the International Olive Council showing that more than 40% of Japanese consumers choose an olive oil primarily by its country of origin, a factor that outweighs brand name, bottle design and certification marks in shaping purchase decisions.

Meetings With Sfax’s Producers

The three-day program also gave Ambassador Saito and Tada the chance to meet a number of Sfax-based producers directly, touring their operations and praising the technical know-how built up in a region that supplies a large share of Tunisia’s olive oil exports. Japan already ranks among Tunisia’s established markets, and demand there is trending toward healthier, higher-quality food products, a shift that favors origin-verified extra virgin olive oil. For Tunisian olive oil exporters and brokers working with Japanese buyers, the forum is a reminder that clear labeling of origin, harvest date and quality grade can be as persuasive as price.

FAQ

Why did Japan’s ambassador visit Sfax in October 2026? Ambassador Saito Jun visited Sfax from October 22 to 24, 2026, to attend a forum organized by the Tunisia Olive Tree Association aimed at expanding Tunisian olive oil exports to Japan, meeting local producers and discussing the Japanese market directly.

What matters most to Japanese olive oil buyers? According to International Olive Council research presented at the Sfax forum, more than 40% of Japanese consumers select an olive oil mainly by its country of origin, making clear origin labeling a bigger factor than brand name or bottle design.

Source: Radio Sabra FM