The Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS) for Organic
Agricultural Products entered into force in April 2002. Enacted by the Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, JAS regulates the production and
labelling of organic food items produced in Japan. Although coffee is not grown
in Japan, JAS nevertheless also covers organic coffee (and tea) under 'organic
agricultural products'. The JAS standard has been further revised in 2005. For
more information visit http://www.maff.go.jp/e/jas/index.html.
Only Ministry-accredited certifying bodies may issue
JAS organic certification for coffee to be imported into Japan. See section
03.02.15 for names and website addresses of some of the certifying bodies
currently known to be active in coffee in Japan. Interested certifying bodies in
producing countries may also apply for accreditation under JAS. And, subject to
meeting the JAS standard for their products, set by the Agriculture Ministry,
suppliers of organic coffee and tea may display the JAS mark, giving Japan also
a single organic label for the entire Japanese market.
Ministry of Agriculture
data for 2008 indicate total imports of organic coffee of some 134,000 bags GBE.
This compares with 2004 imports of around 40,000 bags and confirms growing
consumer interest. Industry sources consider that in recent years the quality of
organic coffee imported by Japan has improved quite considerably. Prospects for
good cupping coffees are encouraging, also because the reputation for better
quality and flavour associated with organic fresh produce items supports
positive interest in organically grown coffee. But only if that coffee is of
good to absolutely excellent quality…
Growth in the consumption of average quality organic
coffee is very slow because it attracts limited interest only, especially when
price expectations are unrealistic. Trade sources suggest the organic premium
potential for such coffees is very limited, not even reaching 10 cts/lb, but
consumers are prepared to pay more for quality. In fact, the growth potential
for high quality organic coffee in Japan is seen as very encouraging indeed and
the challenge for producers is to ensure adequate and regular availability.