By Tommy Hamamoto, U.S. Grains Council Director in Japan

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council participated in FOODEX Japan 2013, the largest food tradeshow in Asia, where more than 71,500 food and restaurant industry professionals were in attendance. In cooperation with Organic Foods Life Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of a new line of white sorghum products, the Council offered samples of a U.S. white sorghum creme soy sauce, sprouted white sorghum crackers and a white sorghum salad dressing.

Attendees were also provided handouts with information on U.S. food corn and barley, in addition to sorghum. Overall, the samples of white sorghum were very well received. Many who visited the booth were surprised to learn of the many uses of sorghum, including its use as a seasoning ingredient. Through this tasting event, the Council was able to encourage the use of U.S. sorghum as a healthy ingredient in the Japanese food market and speak one-on-one with many potential new users.