Program runs from introductory training in September to on-site sales support in Japan in November

Participants in the "K-Food Global Leap Companion Program" pose for a commemorative photo following an introductory training session held Sept. 10. [Coupang]
Participants in the "K-Food Global Leap Companion Program" pose for a commemorative photo following an introductory training session held Sept. 10. [Coupang]

Coupang Inc and Coupang Eats announced Thursday that they will support domestic small business owners in entering the Japanese market through the "K-Food Global Leap Companion Program."

The two companies signed an MOU with the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association in June to support K-food businesses entering Japan, laying the groundwork for the program.

The program is open to small restaurant operators, traditional market vendors and aspiring entrepreneurs considering a move into the Japanese market. Building on introductory training held last month, the initiative will provide step-by-step support through menu consulting and eventually on-the-ground sales opportunities in Japan.

This month, participants will present menu items they hope to bring to the Japanese market and receive evaluations from culinary experts, including chefs, along with one-on-one tailored consulting.

Top participants will be given the opportunity to join the Shin-Okubo Damanhwa Hanmadang festival in Japan in November, where they can showcase K-food menus they developed themselves through food trucks.

"We will continue to roll out a variety of programs to support the challenges of small business owners," a Coupang Eats official said.


spa@heraldcorp.com