{
  "id": 15400297,
  "title": "Japan’s yuzu makers see fresh opportunity in Malaysia’s halal sector",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/japans-yuzu-makers-see-fresh-opportunity-in-malaysias-halal-sector",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2026/10/18/japans-yuzu-makers-see-fresh-opportunity-in-malaysias-halal-sector/239558"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Japan's yuzu, renowned for its unique scent and tangy citrus taste, is gaining traction in Malaysia's halal market, with producers from Kochi Prefecture exploring new export routes. Akihisa Ikeda, Director of the Kochi Representative Office in Singapore, revealed that Kochi Prefecture showcased halal-certified products at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2026) under the Japan Pavilion. While yuzu from Kochi has already been exported to Malaysia, Ikeda emphasized the vast potential for growth in other sectors. Two companies from Kochi Prefecture participated in Mihas 2026: Kochi Ice Co Ltd, producing yuzu-based desserts, and Umaji Village Agricultural Cooperative, representing yuzu farmers. Yuzu products, already popular in Southeast Asian nations, have ample room for expansion. Singapore was the first Asian country to import yuzu from Japan, and Thailand boasts numerous cafes serving yuzu-flavored drinks. In Malaysia, halal-certified frozen desserts made with Kochi Prefecture's yuzu juice are currently sold in Japanese restaurants. Moreover, Umaji Village's yuzu drink and jam are also available in Malaysian retail outlets. Despite being relatively novel in the local market, yuzu from Japan is already a sensation in Europe, particularly in France. Kochi Prefecture, a leading yuzu producer in Japan, has been bolstering its export market in Europe and the United States and is now aiming to capture a larger share in Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Ikeda stressed that the producers are targeting consumers who can appreciate the quality and distinctive characteristics of Kochi's yuzu produce. Grown in the mountainous regions of Kochi's villages under ideal conditions, the yuzu fruits possess a strong aroma that is transferred to beverages and seasonings for export. The producers are prioritizing maintaining product quality over price adjustments, even as packaging and raw material costs rise. They are also focusing on enhancing distribution channels in Malaysia, inspired by the favorable reception of Japanese yuzu-based products.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Japan’s yuzu, prized for its distinctive fragrance and citrusy tang, is emerging as a...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}