The Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership has announced a collaboration with Hankyu Department Stores Japan that will see a selection of businesses from the region at the 58th Hankyu British Fair in Osaka.
A spokesperson for Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership 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.”
The Hankyu British Fair is Japan’s largest and longest-running celebration of British culture, attracting more than 250,000 visitors each year and generating millions in retail sales.
Cotswolds-based producers will feature prominently at Hankyu’s flagship Umeda store in Osaka, with additional satellite fairs planned for Kobe and Fukuoka.
Featured businesses include the Cotswold Cheese Company, Bakery on the Water, lace maker Jane Wright, North’s Bakery, and Cotswold Lavender.
Cotswold Lavender with representatives from the Hankyu British Fair (Image: Cotswolds Plus)
Charlie Byrd, 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.”
AloJapan.com