Tokyo Food

What Tokyo Food does

TOKYO FOOD CO., LTD. is a privately held New Zealand-based importer and national wholesale distributor of Japanese food and beverage products, founded in 1987 and operating as a separate legal entity since April 1996. The company imports and distributes Japanese food products — including soy sauce, frozen foods, sake and other alcoholic beverages, snacks, seasonings, food packaging, and restaurant machinery — sourced primarily from leading Japanese principals such as Morinaga, Kewpie, Yamasa, Takara, Asahi, Sapporo, House Foods, Dassai, and CHOYA, with parallel sourcing from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, and the United States. It serves more than 2,000 B2B accounts comprising Japanese restaurants, retail stores, takeaway shops, and major supermarkets across New Zealand through five wholesale branches (Auckland HQ, Waikato, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch), and reaches consumers directly through nine Japan Mart grocery stores and four Tokyo Liquor specialty retail outlets.

Revenue is generated through wholesale product sales to approved business accounts, direct-to-consumer retail sales through Japan Mart and Tokyo Liquor, sale of two private-label brands (mama san and Every Time) into Asian supermarkets, and—via its own courier subsidiary—delivery services for the network. Wholesale pricing is not publicly disclosed; terms include full advance, cash on delivery, 7-day, or 20th-of-the-following-month payment with 2.5% monthly interest on overdue balances, and customers apply via a branch-managed account process and order through an online portal. The group structure encompasses TOKYO FOOD CO., LTD., Japan Mart 2014 Co., Ltd. (retail), Liquor Shop Shigekuni Ltd. (liquor retail), Gekkan NZ Co., Ltd. (a monthly community magazine), and JANZ Courier Co., Ltd. (logistics), forming a vertically integrated import-wholesale-retail-media-logistics ecosystem. The technology stack is limited to NetSuite ERP for retail operations and a wholesale online ordering portal; there is no public API or consumer mobile app.

The company is led by Managing Director Harumasa Murayama (村山晴政) and uses Westpac New Zealand as its disclosed banking partner. It holds an Approved Supplier Programme certification subject to annual external warehouse assessments and employs 370 people on a consolidated basis as of July 2025.

Name

Tokyo Food

Legal name

TOKYO FOOD CO., LTD.

Website

https://tokyofood.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

TOKYO FOOD CO., LTD. is a privately held New Zealand importer and national wholesale distributor of Japanese food and beverage products, serving over 2,000 B2B accounts through five wholesale branches and reaching consumers through nine Japan Mart grocery stores and four Tokyo Liquor retail outlets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Japanese Food Import & Distribution

NAICS

Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers (424420), Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers (42442), Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446), Meat Retailers (445240)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products (5140), Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141), Beverages (2080), Retail-Food Stores (5400)

akta.pro primary industry

Ethnic & International Foods Distribution (CRAOABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Temperature-Controlled Import/Export & Cross-Border Wholesale (AFAIAHAL), Refrigerated/Chilled Foods Wholesale (Deli, Prepared, Fresh Pasta, etc.) (AFAIAHAB), Frozen Meat, Poultry & Seafood Wholesale (AFAIAHAF), Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Beverage Wholesale (AFAIAGAD)

Keywords

• Japanese food distribution
• Wholesale food importer
• Specialty grocery retail
• Asian food supplier
• Private label snacks

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Wholesale distribution of Japanese food products: TOKYO FOOD imports and distributes Japanese food products (soy sauce, frozen foods, alcoholic beverages, beverages and tea, food packaging, machinery) to Japanese restaurants, retail stores, and takeaway shops nationwide through its branch network. Revenue is generated through product sales at wholesale prices to business customers with established accounts.
2. Retail store operations (Japan Mart): Direct-to-consumer retail sales of Japanese food products through Japan Mart stores across New Zealand. The company also operates Tokyo Liquor retail outlets.
3. Private brand product development and sales: Development and sale of private brand snack and seasoning products under the 'mama san' and 'Every Time' brands, distributed through Japan Mart stores and local Asian supermarkets.
4. Payment terms for wholesale accounts: Payment terms for wholesale customers include: full in advance, cash on delivery, within 7 days of receipt, or by the 20th of the month following invoice date. Interest charged at 2.5% per month on overdue amounts.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

TOKYO FOOD imports, wholesales, and distributes Japanese food and beverage products across New Zealand through a nationwide branch-based network, supplying Japanese restaurants, retail stores, takeaway shops, and supermarkets with soy sauce, frozen foods, alcoholic beverages, beverages and tea, food packaging, and restaurant machinery. The group also operates its own retail chains (Japan Mart and Tokyo Liquor), private-label brands (mama san, Every Time), an in-house courier service (JANZ Courier), and a community magazine (Gekkan NZ), serving more than 2,000 business accounts.

Product overview

Tokyo Food operates a platform of Japanese food import, wholesale distribution, and retail operations across New Zealand. The core offering is the wholesale distribution business (TOKYO FOOD Wholesale) serving over 2,000 business customers nationwide through 5 branch locations. This is complemented by two retail brands — Japan Mart (Japanese grocery stores) and Tokyo Liquor (specialty Japanese liquor stores) — a monthly magazine (Gekkan NZ), an in-house courier service (JANZ Courier), and two private-label consumer brands (mama san and Every Time) for snacks and seasonings. The portfolio functions as an integrated ecosystem: wholesale supplies restaurants and retailers, Japan Mart and Tokyo Liquor serve direct consumers, private brands target retail shoppers, JANZ Courier handles last-mile delivery, and Gekkan NZ builds community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• mama san: Private brand snack and seasoning products available at Japan Mart Stores and other local Asian supermarkets
• Every Time

Products and services

• Japan Mart Retail Stores Retail chain described as New Zealand's largest Japanese grocery store, operating multiple locations across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch selling imported Japanese food, snacks, and beverages directly to consumers.
• TOKYO FOOD Wholesale Distribution Core B2B service importing and wholesaling Japanese food and beverage products (soy sauce, frozen foods, alcoholic beverages, beverages and tea, food packaging, and restaurant machinery) to Japanese restaurants, local supermarkets, and retail stores across New Zealand via a nationwide five-branch delivery network under account-based ordering.
• Tokyo Liquor Retail Stores Specialty retail chain focused on Japanese alcoholic beverages including sake, shochu, whisky, beer, plum wine, and other Japanese spirits, operating four store locations across Auckland and Wellington (Sylvia Park, New Market, City, Lower Hutt).
• mama san Private Brand Private-label snack and seasoning brand developed by TOKYO FOOD for the New Zealand consumer market, distributed through Japan Mart stores and other local Asian supermarkets.
• Every Time Private Brand Private-label snack and seasoning brand targeting New Zealand consumers, available at Japan Mart stores and other local Asian supermarkets alongside mama san products.
• Gekkan NZ Monthly Magazine Free monthly magazine published by group subsidiary Gekkan NZ Co., Ltd., covering Japanese community news, lifestyle, and entertainment for readers in New Zealand.
• JANZ Courier Delivery Service In-house courier and last-mile delivery service operated by subsidiary JANZ Courier Co., Ltd., established in 2021 to support the group's nationwide distribution and retail replenishment operations.
• TOKYO FOOD Retail Supply B2B retail supply service providing Japanese food products and private-label brands (mama san, Every Time) to major supermarket chains and Asian supermarkets across New Zealand to make Japanese food accessible and affordable at mainstream retail.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 customer accounts established in New Zealand
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered key supplier, minor supplier, core group entity and key partner.

• Morinagakey supplierOthersEstablished in 1899, Morinaga is one of Japan's largest confectionery manufacturers. Famous for Hi-Chew fruit candy. TOKYO FOOD distributes Morinaga confectionery products in New Zealand.
• Takarakey supplierOthersComprehensive manufacturer of traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages offering shochu, sake, chu-hi, mirin, whiskey, and liqueur. Takara shochu has remained a top seller in Japan for over a decade.
• KEWPIEkey supplierOthersJapan's most trusted mayonnaise and salad dressing brand since 1925. Signature soft-squeeze bottle and red cap product. Distributed by TOKYO FOOD in New Zealand.
• YAMASAkey supplierOthersOver 400 years of history manufacturing finest quality soy sauce. Committed to tradition of product excellence and quality.
• SunRicekey supplierOthersConsumer-focused global rice food company sourcing world's best short and medium grain rice. One of Australia's leading branded food exporters.
• Suzumo Machinerykey supplierOthersFood machine manufacturer that developed world's first Sushi Robot in 1981. Produces machines for small restaurants to large chain supermarkets.
• CHOYAkey supplierOthersFounded in 1914, the biggest producer of umeshu (pickled plum wine) in the world. Uses only natural ingredients.
• UCHIBORIkey supplierOthersSpecialises in vinegar making for over 140 years. Believes sake brewery is the essence of brewing excellent vinegar.
• Japan Prestige Sake Associationkey supplierOthersEstablished in 1975, valuable source of information for top-quality Japanese sake.
• Shirataki Sake Brewerykey supplierOthersAspires to traditional values while maintaining push toward experimentation and innovation. Passion to serve exciting and delicious sake.
• Urakasumikey supplierOthersWorldwide sake brand, famous for brewery's superior Toji skills and pairing with Shiogama's premium seafood.
• House Foodskey supplierOthersKnown for Vermont Curry (explosive hit and enduring favourite) and snacks like Tongari corn chips. Distributed by TOKYO FOOD.
• Orionkey supplierOthersFifth-largest beer brewery in Japan headquartered in Okinawa. Orion Draft Beer offers mild taste and crisp aftertaste developed in semi-tropical climate.
• Takaokayakey supplierOthersEstablished in Tokyo since 1890, producing Nori (seaweed) as a staple of Japanese cuisine. No additives, rack drying process similar to paper making.
• Dassai (獺祭)key supplierOthersMost popular sake around the world. Junmai Daiginjo sake made with Yamada Nishiki rice, considered the finest kind of sake.
• SOMI (創味食品)key supplierOthersEstablished in Kyoto since 1950, providing high quality soups and seasonings to foodservice industry. Trusted by thousands of famous restaurants in Japan.
• OTAFUKUkey supplierOthersMainly manufactures and sells Japanese sauces like Okonomiyaki sauce. Mission to share flavours of Japan around the globe.
• Asahi Shuzo (久保田)key supplierOthersBrewed fine sake with single-minded devotion to quality. KUBOTA brand bears original company name.淡麗辛口 sake beloved by many.
• Asahikey supplierOthersJapan's #1 beer and favourite worldwide. Asahi Super Dry created in 1987, born out of curiosity to create a taste like no other.
• Shore Marinerkey supplierOthersOne of New Zealand's leading seafood brands for generations. Range of frozen prawns, seafood, and finger foods synonymous with quality, variety, and reliability.
• United Fisheries / Sea Cuisinekey supplierOthersFamily-owned business established 1974 in Christchurch. Top ten seafood company in New Zealand offering fresh and frozen fish products including prawn, octopus, squid.
• Oyatsu Company (おやつカンパニー)key supplierOthersFood manufacturer specializing in instant noodles and ramen snacks. Best known for Baby Star, one of the most popular noodle snacks since 1959.
• Hikari Misokey supplierOthersPassionately committed to making high quality authentic miso following Japanese tradition. Proactively cultivating market outside Japan with organic miso range.
• DAISHOkey supplierOthersMission to deliver the taste of Japan to the world. Products include ramen, Yakiniku, Nabe seasonings.
• Hinode Mirinkey supplierOthersFamous for mirin and brewed vinegar. Products with and without alcohol, indispensable seasoning for Japanese cuisine.
• S&Bkey supplierOthersMajor Japanese processed food manufacturer, best known for S&B curry powder and other spices. Beloved tube wasabi and shichimi peppers worldwide.
• TIPCOkey supplierOthersEstablished in Bangkok. 100% fruit juices occupy 40% of Thai fruit juice market, beloved in more than 30 countries. Coconut water very popular worldwide.
• Sapporokey supplierOthersSapporo Premium Beer — refreshing lager with crisp refined flavour and clean finish. The original, the icon of Japanese beer.
• New Zealand King Salmonkey supplierOthersLocated at Aoraki (highest peak in NZ), freshwater King Salmon thrive in pure cold glacial water from the mountains.
• Mt COOK Alpine Salmonkey supplierOthersFarmed in glacial water flowing from NZ's highest peak. Rare freshwater King Salmon grown in pristine environment.
• Kao (Merries)key supplierOthersMission to create a world where all life can coexist and flourish. Committed to sustainability as the only path forward.
• Sun Valley Ricekey supplierOthersProducts begin with non-GMO rice sustainably grown on California farms within 100 mile radius. Trusted by homes and restaurants worldwide.
• COMO Breadminor supplierOthersMade from Panettone yeast from Lake Como area in Italy, combined with Japanese bread-making techniques. Safe and reliable bread with long-lasting delicious flavour.
• Bourbonkey supplierOthersFounded 1924, major Japanese confectionery manufacturer celebrating 100th anniversary in 2024. Products include Lumonde and Alfort, popular domestically and internationally.
• EB Group (Everbest)key supplierOthersMalaysia's most dynamic integrated soybean product manufacturing company. Global presence in 32 countries. Products certified Halal, GMP, HACCP, FSSC 22000.
• Lottekey supplierOthersListed on main TOKYO FOOD homepage supplier logos section as one of the major suppliers.
• Japan Mart 2014 Co., Ltd.core group entityOthersGroup company managing Japan Mart retail store operations. Established 2014.
• Liquor Shop Shigekuni Ltd.core group entityOthersGroup company managing Tokyo Liquor retail operations.
• Gekkan NZ Co., Ltd.core group entityOthersGroup company publishing a free monthly magazine 'Gekkan NZ' as part of the Tokyo NZ Group.
• JANZ Courier Co., Ltd.core group entityOthersCourier company established in May 2021 as part of the group to support delivery operations.
• Westpac New Zealand Limitedkey partnerOthersMajor banking partner for TOKYO FOOD CO., LTD as stated in company information.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Performance Food Group: Major US foodservice and specialty food distributor serving restaurants and retailers nationwide. Comparable to TOKYO FOOD as a large-scale foodservice distributor with branded product offerings, though broader in category and geography.
• Bidfood New Zealand: One of New Zealand's largest foodservice and wholesale distributors, supplying restaurants, hotels, and institutions nationwide. Comparable as a NZ-headquartered B2B foodservice distributor with multi-branch infrastructure, though broader in cuisine and category scope than TOKYO FOOD.
• Sysco Corporation: Largest US foodservice distributor, supplying restaurants, healthcare, and education with broad-line and specialty foods. Comparable business model to TOKYO FOOD's wholesale arm — B2B foodservice distribution with multi-category product range — though Sysco is much larger and globally diversified.
• Foodstuffs North Island: NZ grocery cooperative operating PAK'nSAVE, New World, and Four Square; one of TOKYO FOOD's largest retail customers and a major NZ food distributor/retailer. Comparable as a major NZ food distribution and retail incumbent that TOKYO FOOD both competes with (Japan Mart vs New World Asian aisle) and supplies (wholesale to Asian and major supermarkets).

Direct peers

• JFC International (Kikkoman): One of the largest Japanese food importers/distributors outside Japan, supplying Asian and mainstream supermarkets, restaurants, and retailers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Highly comparable to TOKYO FOOD as a B2B wholesale importer of Japanese food products with branded retail presence, operating across multiple geographies.
• Mutual Trading Company: Largest distributor of Japanese food products in the US, serving restaurants, supermarkets, and consumers with imported Japanese ingredients, sake, and specialty items. Closely aligned with TOKYO FOOD in product mix, customer base (Japanese restaurants + mainstream retail), and supplier partnerships.
• Wismettac Asian Foods: Japan-headquartered Asian food distributor with operations in the US, Asia, and Europe, importing Japanese and Asian food products to wholesale and retail customers. Directly comparable business model to TOKYO FOOD — overseas-based Japanese food importer/wholesaler serving restaurants and retailers.

Regional players

• Kirei Japanese Food Imports (Australia): Australian distributor of Japanese food products to restaurants, supermarkets, and consumers across Australia. Comparable in product mix and customer type to TOKYO FOOD, but focused on the Australian market rather than New Zealand — relevant benchmark for TOKYO FOOD's stated Oceania expansion ambitions.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tokyofoodnz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tokyofood

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tokyo Food