Waitrose is set to launch a new own-label range called Japan Menyū, offering a wide selection of Japanese-inspired food.
Rolling out from 20 September, the range will include new products that span ready meals, centrepieces, sides and snacks.
The retailer noted that Japanese cuisine has grown 15% compared to last year on social discussions (Tastewise), with Google searches also growing rapidly compared to previous months.
Waitrose said it has also seen a significant growth in traffic on waitrose.com to its dedicated Japanese recipes page, and searches on its website for ‘tempura prawns’, ‘tonkatsu’, ‘soba noodles’ and ‘matcha’ are all up 113%, 75%, 69% and 37% respectively, compared to last year, showing the growing demand for Japanese foods.
Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose Commercial Director, said: “I’m particularly excited about our new Japan Menyū range, having enjoyed so much of it growing up as my mum is Japanese. So much care and consideration has gone into each dish to ensure we’re offering the very best Japanese-inspired selection.
“We’ve seen significant growth in customer demand for Japanese foods, so to be launching this delicious and high-quality curated range that can be enjoyed by anyone in the comfort of their own home is hugely exciting for all of us at Waitrose.”
Highlights from the Waitrose Japan Menyū range include Pork Tonkatsu (350g £6.00), Slow Cooked Chili Miso Beef (318g £7.50), Miso Cod (274g £6.50), Pork Belly Slices (380g £6.00), Chicken Katsu Curry (350g £5.00), Miso Aubergine Rice Bowl (350g £5.50), Chicken Karaage (150g £3.60), and Vegetable Steamed Buns (£2.50).
