Organic Food Industry Continues to Raise Its Profile in Japan
December 4, 2011
NürnbergMesse’s BioFach Japan recently kicked off its 11th edition Nov. 1-3 at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre amidst growing interest in the organic food industry in Japan, with 168 exhibitors from 10 countries.
“Last year’s BioFach Japan impressed with its most successful edition ever,” said Frank Venjakob, director of events for NürnbergMesse International headquartered in Germany.
He added, “Whereas we welcomed more exhibitors and visitors to the 10th birthday than ever before, we faced a totally new situation this year.”
The overall exhibition industry in Japan was hit hard by the earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster, but even though BioFach Japan was slightly smaller than last year’s show, it still drew strong interest.
“The desire of many consumers for uncontaminated food has grown immensely, so mainly trade buyers poured into the exhibition,” Venkajob said.
He added, “On the other hand, this helped to provide good-quality talks for the exhibitors.”
Petra Wolf, member of the management board of NürnbergMesse, said this year’s show was an opportunity platform for communication and exchanging views, as well as a place for organic industry players to come together.
To further support the industry, NürnbergMesse, along with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), launched a fund-raising project at BioFach Japan to support the organic farmers and their families affected in the Tohoku region.
“The aim of this project is to make organic farming land reusable,” Wolf said. “NürnbergMesse has also donated 100,000 yens to this fund.”
BioFach Japan is part of a global series of shows run by NürnbergMesse, with events in Germany, China, the United States, India and Brazil.
Next year’s BioFach Japan will be held Nov. 21-23.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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