SINGAPORE — Louis Dreyfus Company Asia Pte. Ltd. (LDC) announced today the signing of a joint venture agreement with Zephyr Japan, specialty coffee merchants based in Japan providing premium coffees to Japanese consumers.
“This partnership with Zephyr Japan represents LDC’s first venture in Japan, a fast-growing market for specialty coffees,” said Ben Clarkson, LDC’s Global Head of Coffee. “It is also another positive step forward for our specialty business expansion, positioning LDC to increase premium coffee flows into Japan and East Asian markets.”
The global specialty coffee market is expected to exceed US$83 billion by 2025, with significant opportunities in Asia as coffee companies focus on offering customized, taste-based coffees to specific consumers in the region.
“We are excited to further extend our presence in Asia and enter the key consumer market for specialty coffees that is Japan, combining Zephyr Japan’s strong market knowledge and LDC’s expertise in sourcing top-quality, sustainably produced coffee beans,” said Ross Hawkins, LDC’s Global Head of Coffee Partnerships.
“It is a great pleasure to enter into partnership with Louis Dreyfus Company, as both companies will complement each other’s expertise and capabilities,” said Kurato Hashimoto, founder of Zephyr Japan. “I am confident that this strategic partnership will create excellent opportunities for mutual growth while meeting the needs and expectations of Japanese consumers.”
