The Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has announced a major international collaboration with Hankyu Department Stores Japan, which will see a selection of Cotswolds brands featured at the 58th annual British Fair in Osaka this October.
The flagship event, held at Hankyu’s Umeda store, attracts more than 250,000 visitors and generates millions in retail sales across multiple cities.
A spokesman for Cotswolds Plus LVEP said: “The Japanese market is of huge strategic value to the Cotswolds’ visitor economy.
“We’re proud to support businesses in building long-term international links that can grow beyond tourism into retail, trade and brand partnerships as well as encouraging inbound tourism to the region.”
This year’s fair will spotlight the English countryside, offering Cotswolds businesses a high-profile platform in Japan.
Confirmed participants include the Cotswold Cheese Company, Bakery on the Water, and lace maker Jane Wright of Chalford.
Cotswolds Plus will also represent North’s Bakery of Winchcombe and Cotswold Lavender at the event.
The partnership follows six months of collaboration between Cotswolds Plus and Keiji Hayashi, UK project and business development executive at Hankyu Hanshin Express.
Mr Hayashi has worked closely with the group to select businesses that best capture the character and charm of the region.
Charlie, owner of Cotswold Lavender, said: “Being a small rural business we were delighted Hankyu want to feature us within the British Fair.
“Opportunities like this are rare and we appreciate the support that Cotswolds Plus team have given us to ensure we have been able to make the most of this.
“This isn’t just about selling products and raising the profile of our brand—it’s about storytelling, place-making and expanding the global footprint of us as small rural businesses.
“The Japanese market values quality, heritage and authenticity—qualities the Cotswolds and the many small businesses that operate here has in abundance.”
The partnership builds on previous successes, including Huffkins Bakery’s expansion into Japan following its appearance at the fair.
The event also includes satellite fairs in Kobe and Fukuoka, with extensive media coverage and opportunities for online sales and live demonstrations.
AloJapan.com