Meet our program partner: Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

Kobe Bussan is one of Japan’s leading integrated food companies, operating across manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and restaurant services. Known for its nationwide chain “Gyomu Super” and its strong focus on sustainability, Kobe Bussan is a key player driving food innovation in Japan.

As a partner of Next Kitchen 2026, Kobe Bussan is actively seeking collaboration with overseas foodtech startups in the following areas:
📉 Reduction in manufacturing costs of existing food products
🍽️ Food Waste Reduction (upcycled products, shelf-life extension technologies)
🧫 Novel Food Processing (precision fermentation and other advanced technologies)
🚚 Food Logistics (cold chain solutions, digital transformation in food distribution)
📦 Innovative Food Packaging (eco-friendly materials, freshness preservation)
🛒 Unmanned store systems
💳 Innovative self-checkout machines or technologies in food retailing
🤝 Robots that collaborate with humans in food plants

Through Next Kitchen, startups will have the chance to co-create with Kobe Bussan — exploring cutting-edge solutions that reshape the future of food in Japan and beyond.