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Welcome back to Foodtech EYES where we deliver the latest global food innovation news and community updates from UnlocX.


This issue's MUST READ covers the rapidly growing demand for rice flour within households seeking "deliciousness," but within the foodservice industry, there is also an accelerating trend to view this not as a "restrictive diet" but as an "aggressive strategy."


A symbolic example is the news that the Shibuya branch of the popular fresh donut specialty shop "I'm donut?" reopened in November as "I'm donut? Gluten-Free." This move is highly suggestive not only for its allergy-friendly aspect, but also because it leverages rice flour's unique moisture-retaining properties to pursue the ultimate "moist and fluffy" texture. Additionally, Kenmin Foods, a major rice noodle manufacturer, also renovated its Kobe restaurant "Kenmin Dining" on December 1st, making its entire menu gluten-free. While serving Chinese cuisine, they switched even seasonings and oils to rice-based alternatives, aiming to "maintain the original flavor" while appealing to a new customer base.


Not just healthy food for restraint, but "rice flour and gluten-free" for enhanced flavor. Japan's cultural asset of rice is being updated to meet modern needs, creating new value.


Now, numerous interview videos featuring the GourmetPro team who participated in SKS JAPAN2025 held in October have been uploaded to YouTube! From highlights to in-depth interviews with each player, the content is packed with substance—be sure to check them out! Links are provided at the bottom of the highlights article.


Now, let’s dive into this issue’s carefully selected must-read articles from Japan and abroad.


This edition is an English  translation of the original Foodtech Eyes in Japanese published on December 2, 2025.

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👉Contents

・INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES

・MUST READ ARTICLES

・GourmetPro YouTube feat.SKS Japan 2025

・COMMUNITY NEWS

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INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES

✍This issue highlights the "shifting values" unfolding at our dining tables and news on "trade and the environment" that shapes the global landscape.

Domestically, the spotlight is on "rice flour." Search frequency on Cookpad has surged 13-fold over five years, but the reason is noteworthy. Moving beyond its former image as an "alternative for allergy management," it's now actively chosen for "flavor and texture benefits"—such as achieving "crispy fried chicken"—marking a new trend. In the US, a new health trend called "Seed Oil Free" is gaining traction. Rather than abstaining from snack foods, consumers are adopting a practical approach: reducing guilt by switching to "higher-quality oils" like avocado oil. This allows them to "enjoy treats while caring about their health," a realistic consumption style that is becoming established.

From a global perspective, it's essential to stay informed about political and regulatory trends directly impacting business. JETRO reports that U.S. President Trump has issued an executive order exempting agricultural products from mutual tariffs. Amidst escalating tariffs in other sectors, the agriculture and food sector has been granted an exception, making this news highly relevant for future import/export strategies. Additionally, Green Queen has selected the latest report on climate change and food systems. This comprehensive content allows you to confirm the current landscape, including developments in South America ahead of COP30 (Brazil).

MUST READ ARTICLES

Articles mentioned above👇


📌MARKET OVERVIEW

COP30 Digest, Vol 4: Everything You Need to Know in Food & Climate News Today

green queen  2025/11/24


U.S. President Trump Issues Executive Order Exempting Agricultural Products from Mutual Tariffs (United States) 

JETRO  2025/11/17


📌FUTURE FOOD

The Rapidly Growing "Seed Oil-Free" Trend in the United States

DIAMOND Chain Store Online 2025/11/14


📌FUTURE KITCHEN

Rice flour menu searches surge up to 13.5 times over 5 years; chosen for "family satisfaction" amid rising prices

Cookpad Inc. 2025/11/6


📌PARTNERSHIPS & ECOSYSTEM

Europe’s Food Biotech Alliance To Bridge Trust, Policy And Capital

Forbes JAPAN 2025/11/12


▶The EYES editorial team has curated and published a database of 30 handpicked MUST READ articles to help you stay on top of the latest in food innovation.

(Covered Areas:Market Overview, Future Food, Food AI, Personalization, Food Manufacturing, Future Retail & Restaurant, Future Kitchen, Agriculture, Sustainability & Regeneration, Local Food System, Partnership & Ecosystem, Food for Well-being, Eater’s Trend, etc)


👉VIEW ARTICLES


GourmetPro YouTube feat.SKS Japan 2025

GourmetPro is a consulting/agency with a network of over 150 food and beverage (F&B) experts across more than 30 countries worldwide. We provide one-stop support for global F&B brands' overseas expansion, distribution and sales strategies, product development, market research, and localization assistance. Numerous interview videos featuring the GourmetPro team who participated in SKS Japan this October have been uploaded to YouTube! From highlights to in-depth interviews with key players, the content is rich and substantial—be sure to check them out!


The SKS Japan 2025 playlist is below

👉https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw-fwSXJQWXfpWOLLiMszlxyQTp2nBRkT&si=OyaFhwubyg7fBIwj


Video List


Information from SKS JAPAN Community


【EVENT】JiF Next Generation Global Meetup 2025 in Tokyo(17th Dec.)

👉Click here for more details


【EVENT】Minato City Open Innovation FairFood Innovation Circle(19th Jan. 2026) NEW!

👉Click here for more details


【EVENT】Next Kitchen 2026(2026/2/3-6) NEW!

Started in 2023, Next Kitchen 2026 is a tailored mentoring and business-matching program for Foodtech startups worldwide that are looking to expand into Japan, beginning in Kobe – the City of Gastronomy.

Organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Hyogo Prefecture, and Kobe City, the program is part of a Japanese government initiative. 

In partnership with Pasona Inc. and CROSSBIE GmbH, it connects Foodtech startups with leading Japanese corporations to foster sustainable food solutions.

Whether it’s transforming eating habits, promoting healthier diets, or improving systems and logistics, we believe we can shape the future of food together. (From the official website)

👉Click here for more details



【PODCAST】Tabemono Radio#269(s29-11)Hamburger Steak Sweeping Across America—Recognition Skyrocketing! Hamburger Steak and Meat Chopper

👉Click here for more details


【PODCAST】Tabemono Integral#31The Future Envisioned by the Microbial Industry! The Potential of Bio-Manufacturing and Solid-State Fermentation: Fujiwara Techno Art (Part 2)

👉Click here for more details

📻 Episodes are also available on major podcast platforms.
📻 Tabemono Radio is seeking supporters! Join us in making food education fun. Support here.

【This Month at the Sustainable Food Museum】

Located in Nishi-Shimbashi, the Sustainable Food Museum showcases ideas and services from 100 carefully selected companies innovating in sustainable ingredients, including many foodtech startups.

🍽️ December limited menu features collaborations with two companies. More details here

🎤December 19 

Sustainable Food Night #33: 'Technology Reconnecting Food Cycles: Sustainable Pig Farming Restores a "Symbiotic Society"' Details: here


【BOOK】Unraveling the Mysteries of Soft Matter Around Us! Modern Soft Matter Science for Middle Schoolers (The Door to Science)

Welcome to the world of soft matter—familiar yet unknown.

Welcome to the World of Soft Matter: How Flexible Materials Are Shaping Our Future

Rubber, gel, plastic, liquid crystal, collagen, agar──

Our surroundings are filled with "soft materials" that differ from metals and ceramics.

These materials possess unique properties that make them resistant to breakage even when deformed and highly responsive to external stimuli such as water, light, and electricity. Their applications span from food to medicine, robotics, and space exploration.

This book clearly explains the appeal of soft matter—from everyday household items to cutting-edge functional materials.

Particular focus is on Japan's "ultimate gel army" and the secrets of high-performance materials inspired by nature. We also explore the future envisioned by soft matter—from 3D printing and food technology to next-generation robotics.

Why not explore the frontiers of materials science in this one book—where solutions to SDG challenges and the creation of new industries converge? (From Amazon)

Click here for more details



See you in the next Foodtech EYES!


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