FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadian pork industry representatives off to Japan to celebrate trading relationship, Expo 2025
Mission underscores growing and long-standing partnership between both countries
Sept. 22, 2025, Ottawa, ON – Canada’s pork industry is undertaking a trade mission this week in Japan, with stops in Osaka and Tokyo, to celebrate the ongoing relationship between the two countries in helping to ensure food security and harmonious relations.
For the first time in more than 40 years, Canadian pork is now the top imported pork in Japan. This a monumental achievement and a proud milestone for Canada’s pork industry. This success reflects decades of trust and loyalty built with Japanese consumers and is a central purpose of this mission trip.
The 19 delegates attending will begin the trip in Osaka visiting the Expo 2025– a major event showcasing Japan’s global leadership in a wide variety of sectors. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and Canada Pork (CP) will be hosting an event at the Canadian Pavillion. This will include a cutting demo, Canadian pork sampling, and a special presentation from CPC and CP representatives.
The latter half of the trip will be spent in Tokyo where the delegates will attend a media conference at the Canadian Embassy. Both events, along with other significant activities planned, will provide producers and processors an opportunity to celebrate the industry’s Japanese partners and friends.
“We are proud of the relationship our two countries have built over the years, and we are committed to further expanding and strengthening Canadian pork’s partnership with Japanese retailers and consumers,” said René Roy, Chair of the CPC. “For producers, missions like this provide an opportunity to showcase Canada’s high-quality production standards directly to the market.”
“We know Canadian pork is regarded as a premium product in Japan, and we will continue to increase even greater awareness,” said Hans Kristensen, Chair of CP. “Hearing directly from the industry shows that we view this not just as a market, but as a partnership and a friendship worth celebrating.”
As Japan remains one of Canada’s most valued partners, ongoing engagement is essential to sustain the trust, loyalty, and market access that have been built over decades. This mission underscores that success in Japan is not a one-time achievement but the result of continuous collaboration, mutual respect, and commitment.
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About the Canadian Pork Council (CPC)
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is the national voice for pork producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork organizations representing 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector. The CPC serves its membership through national and international advocacy efforts as well as through the development and implementation of initiatives, such as food safety, animal care and health, traceability, environment and sustainability, international trade and nutrition.
About Canada Pork
Canada Pork is the domestic and global market intelligence and promotion organization for the Canadian pork industry serving in the interest of industry members representing pork producers, processors, trading companies, provincial associations, and other key government organizations. Established in 1991, Canada Pork is a joint initiative of the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Meat Council, with local experts situated in Canada, Japan, and China.
