Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Time: 12:00–14:00

Speaker: Paul Kraft, president, JapanIQ

Venue: Tokyo American Club

Member Fee: ¥4,400

Guest Fee: ¥7,800

Meal: Plated lunch

Registration/Cancellation Deadline: Friday, February 2 (17:00)

Event Overview

Stop by any of Japan’s 55,000 convenience stores and you’ll notice that successful foreign brands can be counted on one hand.

Join us as we hear from Paul Kraft, former Japan country manager of German confectionery giant Haribo, as he chronicles the gummy Goldbears’ journey from niche import grocery item to a commanding distribution in the convenience channel on the way to No. 1 market share. Topics ranging from price and product adaptation to motivating distributors and wholesalers means there is something for everyone in this event.

About the Speaker

A 25-year veteran of the food and fast-moving consumer goods industries, Paul Kraft came to Japan in 2008 to lead Starbucks’ consumer packaged goods division in Japan and South Korea. After launching HoneyBaked Ham in Japan and a post at Nestlé Nespresso, he drove the beloved German Haribo Goldbears to the No. 1 gummy market share position. After recently cutting his corporate topknot, Kraft launched JapanIQ, a consultancy to help foreign companies navigate Japan’s daunting complexities. He also has a YouTube channel.

IMPORTANT NOTES

NOTE 1: This event is OFF THE RECORD.

NOTE 2: Please note that, as with all guest presentations, the content and comments of the speakers reflect their own opinions and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the ACCJ.

NOTE 3: If you cancel after the stated deadline, the full meeting fee will be charged to your account. All guests must be accompanied by a member of the ACCJ. No substitutions or walk-ins.

NOTE 4: If you are driving to Tokyo American Club, please inform the ACCJ of the make, model, color, and plate of the vehicle, by the registration deadline, as arrangements must be made. A ¥2,200 parking fee will apply.