Coupang and Coupang Eats said on the 1st that they are running the "K-Food Overseas Leap Partnership Program" with the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association to help South Korean small business owners build the capacity to expand into Japan.
Coupang and Coupang Eats will provide step-by-step support ranging from training and menu consulting to on-the-ground reviews of the Japanese market. Participants include restaurant owners, traditional market merchants and aspiring entrepreneurs considering an entry into Japan. Coupang and Coupang Eats will offer aspiring entrepreneurs phased support that extends from menu consulting to opportunities to sell in Japan.
Menu consulting will take place this month. Participants present the dishes they hope to bring to the Japanese market, and experts including chefs provide evaluations along with one-on-one tailored consulting.
Based on the assessments by food service experts, Coupang and Coupang Eats plan to select top participants to showcase K-food at a local festival in Japan. Those chosen will present their dishes at the Shin-Okubo Multicultural Festival in Japan next month and gauge local consumer reaction firsthand.
An official at Coupang Eats said, "We prepared this program so that small business owners interested in the Japanese market can experience that market for themselves," adding, "We will continue to offer a range of programs that support the challenges small business owners take on."
