Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry's 'Afu Shokudo' Supports Co-Creation of a Sustainable Food Future: Establishing a Collaborative Hub to Experience, Demonstrate, and Promote FoodTech Through Dining

On June 22, 2026 (Monday), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) hosted the 'FoodTech Tasting Event for Expanding Demand for Novel Foods' at 'Afu Shokudo', entrusted to SANKO MARKETING FOODS Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigehiro Nagasawa; Securities Code: 2762; hereinafter 'the Company'), which operates both food service and fisheries businesses.

FoodTech Business Contest | Public-Private Council for FoodTech: Partially adapted from MAFF

Let them eat, receive feedback, and connect to social implementation

'Afu Shokudo', operated by the Company on behalf of MAFF, serves as a demonstration hub by offering new foods and food technologies to actual users and feeding back consumer reactions and opinions to enterprises and research institutions—supporting product refinement, demand expansion, and ultimately social implementation. To date, the restaurant has conducted demonstrations using FoodTech products, such as limited-time menus featuring 'Tamanegi Gururiko®', an upcycled craft seasoning made from substandard onions, and offering Nissin Foods' 'Kanzen Meshi Shokudo' curry as a special menu item.

As part of these initiatives, MAFF hosted the 'FoodTech Tasting Event for Expanding Demand for Novel Foods'. On the day of the event, various FoodTech companies gathered at the restaurant to exhibit innovative food products in the FoodTech sector, including non-animal protein foods and functional, nutritionally enhanced foods. Attendees, including Minister Suzuki of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki, diplomats from foreign embassies, and media representatives, sampled each novel food product.

About the Tasting Event for Expanding Demand for Novel Foods: Partially adapted from MAFF PR, showing event highlights

What is FoodTech?

'FoodTech' is a portmanteau of 'Food' and 'Technology', referring collectively to concepts and services that leverage advanced technologies such as AI, IoT (Internet of Things), robotics, and biotechnology to solve food-related challenges and unlock new possibilities in the food sector.

Since 2020, MAFF has been promoting FoodTech-driven business creation, aiming to contribute to solving Japan’s and the world’s food and environmental challenges, and to stimulate Japan’s economy by fostering new industries.

Changing Environment Surrounding FoodTech

Globally, challenges in the food system—such as population growth, climate change, labor shortages in agriculture and food industries, and food waste—are intensifying. As a solution to these issues, and due to its strong alignment with the SDGs, expectations for FoodTech are rising both domestically and internationally. Among the 17 strategic fields under Japan’s Growth Strategy Council, FoodTech stands out as a growth industry, particularly in expanding demand for novel foods such as non-animal protein and nutritionally functional foods.

Overseas, the emphasis is particularly on solving 'environmental, health, and food security issues'. Backed by technological innovation and active investment, the sector is rapidly growing as a sustainable food industry. In Europe and the U.S., investments in alternative proteins and smart agriculture are thriving, positioning FoodTech as a key industry in addressing food insecurity and climate change. While Japan is highly regarded for its 'dedication to food' and 'technical expertise', challenges remain in distribution and market structuring.

The participation of numerous foreign embassy representatives in this tasting event reflects the high level of international attention toward FoodTech.

The New Future of Food Created by FoodTech

FoodTech is driving innovation across the entire food value chain.

New Food Development

Plant-based foods (e.g., plant-based meat)

Alternative proteins

Upcycled foods

Fermentation-based foods

Efficient Production and Distribution

AI-driven demand forecasting

Data-optimized production (e.g., mobile ordering)

Food waste reduction initiatives (e.g., food delivery services)

Achieving Healthier Diets

Personalized meal recommendations based on health status

Optimized nutritional balance (foods rich in all five essential nutrients)

Meeting Diverse Dietary Needs

Demonstration Cases Using FoodTech Products by the Company

April 2025

Limited-time menu featuring 'Tamanegi Gururiko®', an upcycled craft seasoning made from substandard onions

September 2025

Limited-time offering of Nissin Foods' 'Kanzen Meshi Shokudo' curry

'Afu Shokudo' will continue these initiatives, actively collaborating with FoodTech companies, research institutions, and the food industry to showcase new food possibilities and contribute to expanding demand for a sustainable food system.

About 'Afu Shokudo'

'Afu' derives from the initials of 'Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food'. It also draws meaning from archaic Japanese words: 'au' (to meet), 'nagu' (to blend), and 'megu' (to serve a meal). The restaurant aims to embody the mission of MAFF as the 'responsible authority for food', developing menus that actively use domestic ingredients, organic produce, environmentally conscious materials, and products from disaster-affected regions. With eight rotating daily dishes per week, all served in generous portions, the menu highlights regional charm—featuring Fukushima-grown rice, miso made from domestic ingredients, and fresh fish delivered directly from Numazu and other areas.

● MAFF 'Afu Shokudo'

Location: B1 Floor, MAFF Main Building, 1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

TEL: 03-6206-7990

Hours: Weekdays 11:00–14:00

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays (closed on government holidays)

https://www.instagram.com/afu_shokudo/

※ General visitors may enter solely for dining by completing a simple procedure at the main reception of the MAFF building. The restaurant is extremely busy during staff lunch hours (12:00–13:00), so visiting outside this time is recommended for a smoother experience.

● 'Afu Shokudo Saitama Shintoshin Branch'

Location: 1st Floor, Saitama Shintoshin Government Building No. 2, 2-1 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture

TEL: 070-1342-979

Hours: Weekdays 11:30–14:00

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays (closed on government holidays)

https://www.instagram.com/ahu_saitamashintoshin/

※ The 'Afu Shokudo' in Saitama Shintoshin Government Building No. 2 is accessible without entry procedures. Due to high congestion during staff lunch hours (12:00–13:00), visiting outside this period is advised.

For Those Wishing to Promote Local Food at MAFF's 'Afu Shokudo'

We welcome opportunities to promote local cuisine and its unique appeal through 'Afu Shokudo'.

If you are interested in collaborative projects—such as showcasing traditional regional dishes for future generations, beloved 'prefectural foods', local specialties you want people from other regions to try, or recreating famous local restaurant recipes in our menu—please contact us below.