TOKYO, May 05 (News On Japan) –
Amid international wheat shortages attributable to irregular climate situations and the depreciation of the yen, Japan is seeing value hikes and suspensions within the sale of merchandise like orange juice, main some to show to home alternate options like mandarin juice. One such different gaining consideration as an alternative to imported items is rice flour.
In this report, we observe the “Rice Flour Sales Team” of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
What are the limitless potentialities of rice flour?
Record Number of Bakeries Going Bankrupt Due to High Wheat Prices
Director Hiroaki Yamada says, “Amid a growing trend towards domestic food products, rice flour, which uses rice during the planting season, is drawing attention.”
Against the backdrop of the scenario in Ukraine and the depreciating yen, imported wheat costs proceed to rise. Last fiscal 12 months, the variety of bakery bankruptcies reached a file excessive, with the impression spreading extensively.
Given this case, rice flour has garnered consideration as an alternative choice to wheat flour. While the demand for rice as a staple meals decreases yearly, curiosity in gluten-free components is rising, resulting in an growing demand for rice flour.
“We’re the Rice Flour Sales Team” – “Komeni”
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries launched a undertaking crew to advertise the usage of domestically produced rice flour. The crew, consisting of 11 enthusiastic staff, conducts gross sales actions suggesting rice flour utilization to corporations. The crew’s pleasant title is “Rice Flour Sales Section 2, Komeni,” impressed by a preferred TV drama. The crew’s impactful title appears to have resonated rapidly.
Eriko Nakajima, the top of “Komeni,” notes, “With wheat prices rising each year, the price gap between rice flour and wheat flour is narrowing. This has increased interest in rice flour.”
Sales to a Souvenir Staple – Challenges in Developing Rice Flour Products
Last month, Komeni members went on a gross sales journey.
Miho Sekiguchi of “Komeni” greeted, “Nice to meet you. We’ve heard that a product using rice flour for ‘Tokyo Banana’ has been developed…”
GrapeStone, recognized for Tokyo souvenirs like “Tokyo Banana,” has been promoting merchandise utilizing rice flour since 2004, together with a Tokyo Banana model with rice flour. Komeni visited to advertise additional rice flour product enlargement.
Sekiguchi added, “We offer assistance in developing and manufacturing products that utilize the characteristics of rice flour.”
Supported by authorities initiatives, many corporations are exploring rice flour product growth. However, there are numerous variations between rice flour and wheat flour, making growth difficult.
Katsuya Yamazaki, the top of manufacturing at GrapeStone, said, “Through adjustments like mixing conditions and equipment material changes, we managed to commercialize the product, although not perfectly. We plan to develop more products actively, utilizing the good qualities of rice flour and different varieties.”
Consumers at Tokyo Station, bustling throughout Golden Week, have been provided a style of “Tokyo Banana” made with rice flour.
A station person commented, “It’s chewy, soft, and gentle when you eat it. Personally, I prefer this one (with rice flour).”
Farmers’ Hopes Pinned on Rice Flour Expansion
Rice producers are significantly optimistic about these efforts to develop rice flour utilization.
Keijiro Inoue, the top of Inasaku Honten, stated, “It’s great that using rice flour expands its appeal. As farmers, we’re really happy.”
Inoue is a rice farmer in Tochigi Prefecture, one of many prime rice-producing areas within the Kanto area. His rice flour-based cannelés are fashionable.
Inoue added, “With the world situation becoming increasingly unstable, we farmers strongly believe that Japan should produce what it can. By creating products to meet various needs, I hope to increase opportunities for people to think, ‘Rice is great!'”
Source: ANN