"Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament 2026" to be Held for the First Time!!

The regional "Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament 2026" will be held for the first time!

There are many attractive local seasonings that are not yet widely known across the country. This tournament aims to promote Hokkaido's food value nationwide from Hakodate, connecting producers, businesses, regions, and consumers through "regional revitalization through food." In addition to food experts, we will also recruit general judges including citizens of Hakodate. The Grand Gold Prize for the Hakodate Tournament will be decided through a comprehensive evaluation that includes not only taste but also price, appearance, and product information!

Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament 2026 Overview

<Event Schedule>

Entry Period: Monday, June 15, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026

Expert Tasting Session: Friday, August 21, 2026

Venue: Hakodate City Hall Conference Room

General Tasting Session: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Venue: Hakodate Tsutaya Books 2nd Floor Event Space

Result Announcement: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Venue: Hakodate Tsutaya Books 2nd Floor Event Space

<Categories>

"Fermented Seasoning Category," "Rice Topping Category," "Local Ingredient Usage Category," "Dashi & Umami Category," "Health Support Category"

*Health Support Seasoning: Seasonings with a focus on being gentle on the body.

(From Hakodate Tsutaya Books website)

<Application Requirements>

Products that include at least one of the following Hokkaido-related elements: ①Company ②Manufacturing ③Local Ingredient Usage.

Products that are currently on sale.

*Sales channels such as stores and the internet are not specified.

Products that can be stored at room temperature when unopened.

*Products requiring refrigeration or freezing when unopened cannot be accepted due to storage and venue constraints.

Products must have ingredient labeling.

Participants must provide product samples for the competition.

*Approximately 6 units are expected for tasting, label review, display, and judges.

Applications must be submitted via the entry form by the deadline.

Applicants must confirm and agree to the contents of the "Q&A for the Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament."

・For details, please visit the special page for the Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament 2026:

https://www.vege-fru.com/choumiryo/championship/2026/hakodate/

<Judging>

Judges: Food experts and general tasting judges (including Hakodate citizens and Tsutaya Books visitors).

Judging Method: Comprehensive evaluation including taste, product background, packaging, price, and purchase intent.

Awards: Grand Gold Prize / Silver Prize / Bronze Prize / Best in Category Prize / Special Prize (including Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association Award).

Result Announcement: Will be announced on Sunday, August 23, at Hakodate Tsutaya Books.

Scenes from the 16th Seasoning Championship 2026 Preliminary Expert Tasting Session

<Entry Method>

Apply through the special page.

Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament 2026 Special Page: https://www.vege-fru.com/choumiryo/championship/2026/hakodate/

<Media Inquiries>

For media inquiries, please contact the Seasoning Championship Hakodate Tournament Secretariat. E-mail: [email protected]

What is the "Seasoning Championship"?

November 3rd is "Good Taste Day" = "Seasoning Day"

To commemorate "Seasoning Day" on November 3rd, the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association hosts this event to promote the appeal of seasonings to society, marking its 17th year. The aim is to discover hidden local seasonings from across the country and highly recommended seasonings from manufacturers, and to provide an opportunity for their existence to be known by society.

We aim to spread the appeal of seasonings and further vitalize the seasoning industry. Award-winning products have the potential for a 5-10 fold increase in sales compared to the previous year! They have been featured in numerous media outlets, including television, attracting significant attention to the unique variety of seasonings.

What is a "Vegetable Sommelier"?

A "Vegetable Sommelier" is a specialist who acquires knowledge of vegetables and fruits and can spread their appeal and value to society. The mission of a "Vegetable Sommelier" is to act as a bridge between producers and consumers. Currently, many people are challenging themselves to become Vegetable Sommeliers for career advancement, career change, to benefit the health of their families and friends, and for social contribution.

About the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association

Established: August 7, 2001 Representative Director: Eiji Fukui Business: Providing and nurturing Vegetable Sommelier qualifications; planning and developing/providing various courses and content. URL: https://www.vege-fru.com/ Keywords: