Fukushima-based Confectionery Wholesaler Shibuya Rex Named One of METI's '300 Vibrant SMEs'

Shibuya Rex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture; President: Yuji Shibuya) is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of the '300 Vibrant SMEs' in the 'Overseas Expansion' category by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in recognition of its unique global expansion and diversified business operations.

Since our founding in 1951, we have grown primarily through our confectionery and food wholesale business. To address profit challenges in the domestic wholesale market in recent years, we launched full-scale direct exports to Asian markets in 2014. Moving beyond the framework of a traditional 'confectionery wholesaler,' we continue to challenge diverse food markets through initiatives such as in-house manufacturing of preservative-free baby food and halal-certified foods for Muslims residing in Japan and inbound tourists.

About the '300 Vibrant SMEs' This is a program by the METI Small and Medium Enterprise Agency that selects and honors SMEs and micro-businesses that have taken on the challenge of business transformation and new ventures in response to changes in economic and social structures. The selected businesses serve as models expected to contribute to regional and national economic growth in five fields: 'Growth Strategy/Productivity Improvement,' 'Overseas Expansion,' 'GX (Green Transformation),' 'DX (Digital Transformation),' and 'Investment in People/Environment Development.'

Selection Background: Shibuya Rex's 'Diverse Food Market Expansion' Building on traditional wholesale distribution routes and product portfolios, we have established a unique competitive advantage by pursuing global expansion through a multi-faceted business flow, including 'Product Planning,' 'Manufacturing/Dining,' and 'E-commerce.'

1. Full-scale Entry into Overseas Business and Growth to 25% Sales Ratio Since our full-scale entry in 2014, we have expanded our sales channels worldwide, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, and the United States. In fiscal 2025, overseas-related sales (exports and imports) reached 1.346 billion yen, with the overseas sales ratio growing to 25% of total revenue. In recent years, we have also strengthened food import trade by leveraging the network gained through our overseas expansion, with significant sales growth driven by imports from Vietnam.

2. Needs-based Proprietary Product Development (PB/OEM) Baby Food (Mogumogu-chan Series): We develop these as a private brand exclusively for overseas markets, providing safe and secure, Japanese-quality snacks that retain natural taste. In-house Manufacturing and Dining for Halal Foods: We handle everything from planning to production for halal-certified wagyu beef products (wagyu meatballs, roast beef, hamburg steaks, etc.) for Muslims in Japan and inbound visitors. Additionally, we operate 'SHIBU-YA,' a restaurant providing halal food in Misato City, Saitama Prefecture, using it as a test marketing site.

3. Domestic and International E-commerce Deployment We have strengthened e-commerce sales on platforms such as Rakuten Ichiba and Amazon (both domestic and overseas). We are also working to acquire new customer segments through e-commerce media, such as our proprietary halal-specialized shop 'Saya Indonesia' and our confectionery bagging service 'Depic.'

Future Outlook: Expanding Direct Sales Channels Beyond Asia to the U.S. and Middle East Guided by our management philosophy, 'Cultivating food culture through the power of distribution, and delivering happiness, excitement, and peace of mind to everyone,' we will continue to inherit a culture that constantly takes on challenges without being bound by existing frameworks. In the medium to long term, in addition to further cultivating the currently strong Asian markets, we aim to expand and pioneer direct sales channels outside of Asia, such as the U.S. market and the Middle East, contributing to the development of the world's diverse food cultures and the revitalization of regional agriculture.