In August 2024, the president of Tsunan Sake Brewery visited the Singapore branch of One&Co, a dynamic coworking and innovation space that has become a hub for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to expand their presence in Southeast Asia. This visit marked an important step in Tsunan Sake Brewery’s ongoing efforts to globalize its brand and explore new markets. The primary objective of this visit was to strategize the introduction of the newly developed sake, GO GRANDCLASS UONUMA KOSHIHIKARI EDITION, to the Singaporean market.
https://koshihikari.tsunan-sake.com/en/
Tsunan Sake Brewery’s Current Business Position
Tsunan Sake Brewery has been steadily gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for its commitment to quality and innovation in sake brewing. The brewery’s focus on utilizing premium ingredients, such as the renowned Uonuma Koshihikari rice, has set it apart in the competitive sake market. The GO GRANDCLASS UONUMA KOSHIHIKARI EDITION represents the pinnacle of the brewery’s brewing expertise, combining traditional techniques with modern innovations to create a sake that appeals to both connoisseurs and new sake enthusiasts.
During the discussions at One&Co, the significance of this new brand was emphasized as part of a broader strategy to position Tsunan Sake Brewery as a leading sake producer on the global stage. The feedback received from the operators and tenants provided invaluable insights into the unique consumer preferences in Singapore, a critical market for the brewery’s international expansion.
Insights on the Singaporean Sake Market
One of the key insights gained from the visit was the understanding that Singaporean consumers have a distinct approach to sake consumption. Unlike the traditional Japanese context, where sake is often enjoyed in specialized settings, Singaporean consumers tend to favor more casual and versatile consumption experiences. This realization highlighted the need for marketing and distribution strategies to be tailored to local preferences.
It was suggested that the GO GRANDCLASS UONUMA KOSHIHIKARI EDITION be positioned not only as a premium product but also as a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in various social settings. This could involve collaborations with local restaurants and bars, as well as participation in events that cater to Singapore’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Additionally, creating pairing experiences with local cuisines emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the appeal of the sake.
The Role of One&Co in Overseas Expansion
One&Co has proven to be an invaluable platform for businesses seeking to enter and thrive in new markets. The coworking space offers not just physical infrastructure but also a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. The networking opportunities at One&Co provide direct access to potential partners, distributors, and customers.
Conclusion
The visit to One&Co Singapore has been a significant milestone in Tsunan Sake Brewery’s journey toward global expansion. The insights gained during this visit underscore the importance of understanding and adapting to local consumer behaviors, especially in a culturally diverse market like Singapore. Moving forward, Tsunan Sake Brewery will continue to leverage platforms like One&Co to build strategic partnerships and enhance its presence in international markets.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery located in Akinari, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. Known for its heavy snowfall, this region uses natural spring water from 2,000-meter-high mountains for sake production. Utilizing local specialty sake rice “Gohyakumangoku,” the brewery engages in sake brewing in harmony with nature under the brand concept “Brew for Future – Brewing a Coexisting Future.” Since 2023, with a new management structure, the brewery aims to create new value by integrating the brewery with science and expanding overseas.
https://tsunan-sake.com