Collaboration continues with Sydney Fish Markets visit to Japan

1 Oct 2019

Representatives from the Sydney Fish Market (SFM) had an opportunity to learn first-hand from the best in the business last week, with a visit to Japan’s famous fish markets.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) led a delegation from SFM to visit the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, as well as the Numazu Fish Market in Shizuoka - a market similar in size to SFM.

Ryoko Uchida, from DPI’s International Engagement team, said the trip itinerary was designed to give the representatives a comprehensive understanding of Japanese fish market operations and fish management, as well as expanding their network with Japanese Fisheries’ industry.

“The three-day program for SFM was customised by Mr Hiroyuki Morimoto, Former Chief Director of the Tsukiji Fish Market, based on his visit to SFM in August,” Ms Uchida said.

“The itinerary covered a range of meetings and site visits, including market wholesalers and retailers, market auctions, fish processing facilities, vertical transporters and suppliers like ice machine manufacturers.”

The visit is part of an ongoing collaboration between DPI and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan (MAFF) under a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in November last year.

Sydney Fish Market CEO Greg Dyer said the knowledge shared and contacts made during this trip will be invaluable in the lead up to the SFM’s relocation scheduled for 2024.

“This has been an important learning experience, from aspects of product management – including temperature control and display methods, to logistics – such as transport and vertical movement between floors,” Mr Dyer said.

“We were also given opportunities to learn about concerns from Japanese industry players during their relocation process from Tsukiji to Toyosu, and we realised we share similar issues and challenges.

“Based on the connections that were developed during this visit, we would like to start discussing the development of ongoing and official cooperation between SFM and Toyosu.

“We are looking forward to working with DPI and MAFF on this arrangement, under the existing DPI-MAFF MoC.”

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