Hong Kong start-up’s bento vending machines make the leap to Japan

04:09

Hong Kong start-up Wada FoodTech takes groundbreaking bento vending machines to Japan

As entrepreneurs in Hong Kong embark on their growth journeys, they can turn to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for guidance along the way. As part of its mission to promote Hong Kong as a hub for global investment and business, the HKTDC works with start-ups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create tangible opportunities for them to expand internationally, in addition to providing business information and advisory services.

Jason Chen, CEO of Wada FoodTech, says the Hong Kong Trade Development Council was instrumental in helping his company’s expansion into Japan.

One such start-up that has benefited from its support is Wada FoodTech, a smart catering solutions provider originally based in Hong Kong’s Cyberport business park but which now has additional offices in Tokyo and Osaka. The company, which uses the brand name Wada Bento, has developed decentralised food vending machines that serve hot meal boxes to hungry customers in as little as nine seconds.

Established in 2018, Wada FoodTech helps optimise food management across the catering supply chain. Its recent expansion in Japan – a country famous for its bento boxes and vending machines – is testament to the strength of both the firm’s offering and strategy.

Wada Bento hot meal vending machines, originally developed in Hong Kong by Wada FoodTech, are now being used in Japan. Photo: Wada FoodTech

In early December, the HKTDC held its annual Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to tap into global markets, offering opportunities for networking and business matching along with support services tailor-made for start-ups.

The 2024 edition of E-Day also featured the InnoClub Awards, which spotlight groundbreaking start-ups and SMEs from the Greater Bay Area. WadaFood Tech received the InnoClub Industry Impact Award in recognition of its innovative digitised model for food service, which leverages patented hot-chain vending machines and AIoT, or “artificial intelligence and Internet of Things” technology, to strengthen food safety controls while also boosting efficiency.

In addition, WadaFood Tech signed a memorandum of understanding with Harada Corporation during E-Day. The Japanese general trading company has experience in a wide array of businesses, including food innovations, that can help the Wada Bento brand strengthen its presence in the Japanese market.

Wada FoodTech, which also showcased its technology at the event, said the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to expanding its vending machine operations in Japan, with a focus on Tokyo and Osaka.