The Eat Digest - August 2023

With the annual Obon holiday in August meaning many companies in Japan close shop for a few days, this month is one of calm reflection before things ramp up again in September. As we think back on the year so far, partnership and the positive spirit of collaboration come to the fore and are reflected in our stories this month. From the partnerships that are driving transformation in the construction industry, to the expanding partnership between India and Japan, to the evolving partnerships of gift giving in Japan, we celebrate connection and understanding and the powerful benefits these bring. Thank you for being with us.

Making Purpose Real?

In our Eat Takeaway series this month, our Head of Growth Robert Costelloe caught up with Hanna Hallin, Head of Sustainability at Saint-Gobain Distribution Sweden (SGDS), whose purpose of ‘Making the world a better home’ sits at the heart of the firm’s work to transform the construction industry. A big part of this transformation comes from SGDS partnerships with an expansive supplier network, working hand in hand to develop new innovations and technologies that reduce negative impacts on the environment and the climate.

Japan-India Collaboration?

Earlier this year saw India officially surpass China as the most populous nation on the planet. As the country continues to be a top focus for foreign investment and growth, we showcase our work with MiraIndia – an institution created to enhance Japanese business leaders’ understanding and perceptions of India and the collaborative opportunities that are open between the two countries.

The Changing Habits of Gifting in Japan

A classic symbol of partnership, be it professionally or personally is gift giving. With 10.5 trillion yen (USD 70 billion) spent on gifts in Japan in 2022, and even more expected this year, gifting is certainly big business. But how, where and when gifts are being exchanged is evolving rapidly with traditional mid-year and end-of-year gift occasions losing interest and technology platforms taking over from department stores. Brands with a stake in the gifting business need to move fast.

Please do not hesitate to share our newsletter with your colleagues and associates, and if there is anything you read here that sparks an idea or highlights a challenge you are facing, do get in touch at [email protected]!?