On September 21, 2022, USDA Japan hosted the eighth U.S.-Japan Agricultural Trade Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel welcomed four new members to the Hall of Fame, which recognizes prominent food industry members that have made significant contributions to expanding U.S. agricultural exports.
Ambassador Emanuel thanked this year’s inductees, and Hall of Fame alumni in attendance, for their loyalty and support for U.S. agriculture over many years and highlighted the importance of Japan as our fourth largest export market for agriculture. USDA was not able to hold a Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2020 or 2021, so was delighted to mark this important occasion in person once again. Congratulations to the Class of 2022 on their induction to the U.S.-Japan Agricultural Trade Hall of Fame!
President of Wondertable, Limited
Wondertable operates 270 restaurants throughout Japan that feature high quality U.S. ingredients and highlight U.S. cuisine. Among the famous restaurant chains are: Peter Lugar Steakhouse, Lawry’s the Prime Rib, Union Square Tokyo, Barbacoa, Mo Mo Paradise and Yona Yona Beer Works, among others. Wondertable sources U.S. beef, wine, and other ingredients from the United States.
President of Zato Trading Company
Founded in 1994, Zato Trading Company is an importer and wholesaler of premium beer, wine, food, decorations and building materials. They specialize in restaurant management, planning and design of food and beverage stores, and planning and execution of various beer events throughout Japan. Zato also prides itself on bringing culture, tradition, and unique tastes to Japan, through imported products and restaurant experiences. Zato Trading features U.S. craft beers highlighted in its more than 40 restaurants including the World Beer Museum and The Pike Brewing Restaurant & Craft Beer Bar. Zato Trading also owns World Liquor Importers Co., Ltd, and IMA Enterprise Co., Ltd.
President of Pasco Shikishima Corporation
Since its founding in 1920, the wholesale bread business has been the center of the company’s activities under the Pasco brand. Headquartered in Nagoya, Pasco is one of Japan’s top 3 bread manufacturers with 12 facilities throughout the country and $1.1 billion USD in net sales in 2021. Pasco is a longtime user of U.S. ingredients including wheat, raisins, nuts, dry milk powder, and flour mixes featured in many of Pasco’s products. Pasco’s subsidiary also operates the famous traditional French bakery chain Paul in Japan.
President of Delta International Co. Ltd.,
Delta International was established in 1992, and specializes in imports of dry fruits and nuts and product development to create the World’s Finest Foods. As a major importer and distributor in Japan, manufacturing and selling its own retail packaged products, Delta is a large consumer of U.S. products, bringing in an average of 12,000 tons of nuts and more than 5,000 tons of dried fruits from the United States each year.
