Explore the Food of the Future! SMTS' SIXTY-year History and New Challenges
The Supermarket Trade Show (SMTS) is a business trade show that provides the latest information on the food distribution industry. The event attracts buyers from supermarkets and other retailers, wholesalers, and the home meal replacement and food service industries from all over Japan and abroad. It has attracted attention as a venue for developing new sales channels and generating business opportunities, both domestically and internationally. We interviewed Mr. Tomihari, who is in charge of the management of SMTS, which will be held for the 60th time next year.
TomihariSuper Market Trade Show
Please give us a brief description of the show organizer, the National Supermarket Association of Japan, and the scale of this year's show (February 12-14, 2015), including the number of exhibitors and visitors.
The National Supermarket Association of Japan is a national organization with a 65-year history since its establishment in 1958. It is committed to contributing to the development of supermarkets and other parts of the food industry.
As a representative project, we hold an exhibition and business meetings once a year with the aim of creating business opportunities between the retail industry and the distribution industry, including producers (manufacturers) and wholesalers.
Exhibitors at the Supermarket Trade Show numbered 2,237 companies and organizations with 3,611 booths, and there were 77,305 industry-related visitors, including multi-day visitors.
This business trade show brought together supermarkets and other industry professionals from across the country. What was the main feature of this year's show? And what are the aims of the show?
We established a food trend zone to provide products and services related to current trends, such as time efficiency x food, inbound travel x food, frozen x food, and other products and services related to the differentiation of product lineups in supermarkets.
What do you see as the challenges facing supermarkets and retailers today? Are there any issues other than products and services?
The main challenges are procurement difficulties due to soaring food and energy prices, and store operation challenges due to labor shortages.
In addition, we feel that supermarkets themselves need to shift the value of their existence, due to changes in the way customers buy as a result of the major transformation in consumer behavior since the pandemic.
Supermarkets exist in all regions of the country. How are supermarkets increasing their presence and value in communities and contributing to and revitalizing them?
In order to continue to serve as a "food lifeline" and be supported by communities, we are actively handling local agricultural produce and processed foods to help revitalize local industries (local production for local consumption), preferentially employing local residents to create jobs in the community, and serving as a recycling center for household waste. We are not only selling products but also acting as a "food lifeline.”
I believe you are incorporating online and digital elements into your show’s approach, in addition to traditional real-world elements. What initiatives are you currently undertaking, and what preparations or structures do you plan to implement?
Since this is a food-related trade show, it mainly consists of real-world business meetings that use all five senses. However, we also utilize online industry seminars to deepen knowledge, and people can view those at their own pace from anywhere and at any time.
Looking at SMTS from a visitor's perspective, what do you think is of interest to visitors?
Discovering new business partners due to rising prices, and products and services that will increase the value of the company. Also hardware and software, etc. that can increase productivity in the midst of labor shortages.
Next year, 2026, will finally mark the 60th anniversary of this show. Please let us know if you already have any ideas for themes, highlights, or new initiatives for next time. Or, what are your aspirations?
To mark the 60th anniversary, we are planning a special program on past transitions by food supermarkets and the future of the retail industry. We will also be presenting a new business trade show, SMTS Fresh Solutions (a business trade show specializing in fresh produce), scheduled for the summer of 2027. We would like to focus our efforts on promoting the development and evolution of the supermarket industry.
Finally, what does "trade show" mean to you, Mr. Tomihari?
It is the best business meeting space for each exhibitor and visitor to communicate within a limited time of three days. Although I have never actually measured it, I believe that the economic impact after a trade show is substantial and that it is a precious venue that contributes greatly to the development of the industry.
*SMTS is a BtoB trade show, so the general public is not allowed to visit.
