Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Leads Trade Mission of U.S. Distilleries to Japan
–Events in Tokyo and Osaka Showcase American Spirits-
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) led a trade mission of 11 U.S. distilleries to Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, Sept. 8- 12, to promote the diversity and premium quality of U.S. spirits.
The trade mission was supported by funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), which helps promote American agricultural products in international markets.
DISCUS hosted trade activations in both cities, including an exclusive evening event in Tokyo for Japanese spirits media. Across both events, more than 160 Japanese buyers, importers, media representatives and on-trade professionals sampled a curated selection of American spirits.
The MAP-supported trade events were part of DISCUS’ market export campaign, “Cheers! Spirits from the USA” campaign, which aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage and style of American distilled spirits.
DISCUS’ trade mission to Japan represents a return to the market after a three-year hiatus. Japan remains a vital market for U.S. spirits, ranking as the sixth-largest export destination for U.S. spirits and fourth largest for American Whiskeys. In 2024, U.S. spirits exports to Japan exceeded $100 million, underscoring the strong demand for premium American products.
“It is an exciting time to return to Japan and engage directly with the hospitality industry and adult consumers to share the craftmanship and rich history of American distilled spirits,” said Joel Matticks, DISCUS Export Promotions Manager. “We are thrilled about the growing interest in American spirits and look forward to deepening our ties through continued education and collaboration.”
Visitors to the DISCUS activations sampled a range of American Whiskeys and other American spirits from some of the most innovative distilleries in the United States. Featured distilleries included:
- Arizona Distilling Co.
- Brother’s Bond Bourbon
- BroVo Spirits
- Koval
- Proof and Wood
- Astraea Spirits
- Uncle Nearest
- Virginia Distillery Co.
- Beverly Spirits
- Traverse City Whiskey Company
- Red Eye Louie’s
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About DISCUS: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States represents the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the U.S. The association advocates for the distilled spirits industry on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the spirits sector; and seeks to open markets and raise awareness of trade barriers in the U.S and around the globe. The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. DISCUS encourages adults who choose to drink, to do so in moderation and responsibly at all times. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc., prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status. For more information, please visit: https://www.responsibility.org/
