{"id":686,"date":"2026-02-23T21:38:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T12:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/agriture.jp\/?post_type=oem&#038;p=686"},"modified":"2026-04-21T16:44:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T07:44:36","slug":"furusato-oem","status":"publish","type":"oem","link":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/oem\/furusato-oem\/","title":{"rendered":"How to proceed with hometown-tax product development | OEM techniques that make the most of local ingredients"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The market size of furusato nozei continues to expand year by year.<\/p>\n<p>For local governments, gift items are an important means of communicating a region's appeal nationwide. However, quite a few businesses have worries such as \"how do we develop appealing products?\" or \"we cannot set up a manufacturing structure on our own.\" What is drawing attention here is product development using OEM (original equipment manufacturing). By borrowing the technical capability of specialist manufacturers while making use of regional ingredients, the possibility of creating high-quality gift items from small lots widens.<\/p>\n<p>This article introduces the concrete way to advance product development for furusato nozei and practical know-how for using OEM effectively. We hope it becomes a hint for taking the next step for businesses aiming to strengthen their regional brand.<\/p>\n<div data-type=\"table_of_contents\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended reading<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wholesale-oem\/\">wholesale and OEM of commercial dried vegetables<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/powder\/\">Vegetable powder list<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-thread=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/local-veg\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/studio-cms-assets\/projects\/9YWyw1reqM\/s-1280x720_v-fms_webp_fc237de1-b6a4-45e2-8184-0313930c4dc7.jpg\" alt=\"\u4f1d\u7d71\u91ce\u83dc\u3092\u4f7f\u3063\u305f\u5546\u54c1\u958b\u767a\" width=\"\" height=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_vFzhV5U2\"><strong>Basic steps to grasp in developing furusato nozei gift items<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To make gift-item development succeed, a planned approach is essential.<\/p>\n<p>First, what is important is clearly identifying regional primary-product ingredients. In the \"Support Project for Creating Gems that Make Use of Regional Ingredients\" run by the Hokkaido Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, they make use of primary-product ingredients from within Hokkaido and promote cooperation between the region's primary-industry businesses and processing and sales businesses, with chambers of commerce as the connecting point. Connecting different businesses within a region like this makes new value creation possible that draws on both sides' strengths.<\/p>\n<p>Next, building a development structure is needed. Cooperation with local chambers of commerce and industrial support organizations is an important element for advancing the development process smoothly. In fact, there are also cases where being selected for a support project lets you cover part of the development funds with a subsidy.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_l2h4O7k1\"><strong>Designing the product concept and points of differentiation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To be chosen as a gift item, clear differentiation is required.<\/p>\n<p>Foregrounding the uniqueness of regional ingredients is the basis. Komeichi Inc. of Sai Village, Aomori Prefecture, developed the foaming hand soap \"Hiba Ururu\" combining the regional ingredients Aomori hiba and sea cucumber. By fusing the antibacterial power and soothing aroma of Aomori hiba with the moisturizing effect derived from sea cucumber, it achieves a uniqueness found nowhere else. Like this, it is important to scientifically verify the characteristics of ingredients familiar to the region and clarify them as product value.<\/p>\n<p>The storytelling of product development also cannot be overlooked. By carefully conveying the ingredient's background, the developer's intentions, and the connection with the region, empathy is born for the product. Because furusato nozei donors have a consciousness of regional contribution rather than mere product purchase, the story greatly influences the desire to buy.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_RnIdg5Qj\"><strong>How to conduct market research and competitive analysis<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Market research before development raises the probability of success.<\/p>\n<p>Analyze which products are popular in existing gift-item categories, and the price ranges and product characteristics. Gift items of local governments with specialties similar to your own region are especially useful references. Clarifying points of differentiation from competitors sets the development direction.<\/p>\n<p>Setting the target segment is also essential. Clarifying who you want to deliver to, such as health-conscious segments, gift demand, or repeat-customer acquisition, determines the direction of product specifications and package design.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_mOxAQk9M\"><strong>OEM manufacturer selection and effective matching methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Meeting the right OEM manufacturer decides the success or failure of product development.<\/p>\n<p>Conventionally, searching for manufacturers through trade shows and introductions was common, but now using matching sites is drawing attention as an efficient means. On a platform like \"Shokuhin OEM no Madoguchi,\" you can narrow down by concrete search conditions such as \"small lot,\" \"powder processing,\" \"domestic ingredient support,\" and \"tea-bag filling,\" so you can efficiently find manufacturers that fit your requirements.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_RvLNqBeZ\"><strong>The benefits of using matching sites and selection criteria<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The biggest advantage of a matching site is a direct connection with customers of clear intent.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-thread=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/foodoem.jp\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/studio-cms-assets\/projects\/9YWyw1reqM\/s-2940x1658_v-frms_webp_266341b8-740f-4799-b8fa-966872a62d22.png\" alt=\"\u98df\u54c1OEM\u306e\u7a93\u53e3\" width=\"\" height=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>The inquiries reaching listed companies are often from prospects already considering an order, and are characterized by high-quality business talks. You can list your own information 24 hours a day and acquire leads across regions and industries, so it is more efficient than trade shows and sales visits. In fact, it is not unusual for it to lead to a new business talk in just a few weeks after listing.<\/p>\n<p>In manufacturer selection, concretely confirm the processing that can be handled, minimum lot count, lead time, and track record. Rather than vague expressions like \"we can do anything,\" manufacturers that clearly state concrete processing steps such as drying, grinding, and filling, and application track records such as soup ingredients, tea, and pet food, can be trusted.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_IfYseCwm\"><strong>How to identify small-lot-capable manufacturers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>For a first product development, small-lot capability is required.<\/p>\n<p>With orders premised on mass production, the initial investment grows large and the risk rises too. A structure where you can conduct test sales in small lots and adjust production volume while watching the market's reaction is ideal. On a matching site you can search for manufacturers that clearly state small-lot capability, so selection to match your budget and sales plan is possible.<\/p>\n<p>The speed of initial response is also an important basis for judgment. The speed of replying to inquiries and the flexibility of sample provision are indicators for predicting the smoothness of the subsequent development process.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_sC2qCSjD\"><strong>Tips for product design that make the most of regional ingredients<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To draw out the value of regional ingredients, a fusion of ingredient understanding and technology is needed.<\/p>\n<p>Scientifically analyzing an ingredient's characteristics and clarifying them as product value is the first step. In Komeichi Inc.'s case, they noticed that workers' hands did not get rough during sea-cucumber processing work, and focused on the moisturizing effect of the collagen and ceramide sea cucumber holds. Discovering an ingredient's hidden value from everyday observation like this leads to developing unique products.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_zBGuVs1q\"><strong>Combining ingredients and creating synergy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Combining multiple regional ingredients gives rise to new value.<\/p>\n<p>Like the combination of Aomori hiba and sea cucumber, fusing ingredients with different characteristics can create functionality and appeal that a single ingredient cannot achieve. In the \"Furupo CoLABO\" service JTB launched, they connect different businesses within a region and support the planning and development of new regional products that draw on both sides' strengths. In the case of Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, highly unique products are being born through cross-industry collaboration, such as combining disability-designed packaging with locally-produced-for-local-consumption ice cream.<\/p>\n<p>When considering ingredient combinations, consider not only functionality but also storytelling and social significance. Incorporating perspectives such as sustainability and upcycling raises the product's added value.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/local-veg\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/studio-cms-assets\/projects\/9YWyw1reqM\/s-1280x720_v-fms_webp_fc237de1-b6a4-45e2-8184-0313930c4dc7.jpg\" alt=\"\u4f1d\u7d71\u91ce\u83dc\u3092\u4f7f\u3063\u305f\u5546\u54c1\u958b\u767a\" width=\"\" height=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_LojQsYJz\"><strong>Points of processing technology and quality control<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Selecting processing technology that does not impair the ingredient's value is required.<\/p>\n<p>Through joint research with an OEM manufacturer, you can find the optimal processing method. Komeichi Inc. conducted joint research with the Hirosaki Industrial Research Institute and succeeded in developing a product with even higher moisturizing effect by blending in proteoglycan, born in Aomori. Cooperation with regional research institutions like this is also an effective means.<\/p>\n<p>In quality control, confirm the hygiene management structure and raw-material sourcing structure in advance. Grasping the manufacturer's actual situation through visiting the manufacturing site and detailed questions becomes a source of reassurance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_Fc12ZgYH\"><strong>Practical strategy for furusato nozei registration and sales channel expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The registration process and sales channel strategy after product development hold the key to success.<\/p>\n<p>Registration as a furusato nozei gift item requires coordination with the local government. If the development structure involves the local chamber of commerce, cooperation with the local government also tends to proceed smoothly. Consult in advance with the local government's responsible department about eligibility as a gift item and price setting.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_LjB7S2Pn\"><strong>Promotion support and raising brand value<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>For expanding a product's awareness, multifaceted promotion is effective.<\/p>\n<p>Building a product story is an important element for conveying a gift item's appeal. Carefully put into words the ingredient's background, the developer's intentions, and the connection with the region, and reflect it in product pages and introductory materials. In digital marketing, SNS communication and web advertising based on target-segment analysis are effective.<\/p>\n<p>Tourism-linked promotion also cannot be overlooked. Keeping in view sales channels other than furusato nozei, such as sales and sampling at lodging facilities that make use of JTB's network, widens the product's awareness and sales opportunities.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_DNVC9pkg\"><strong>Expansion into general distribution and EC sales support<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A track record as a furusato nozei gift item can also be used for expansion into general distribution.<\/p>\n<p>Products that become popular as gift items also become easier to expand into EC sales and physical-store sales. Komeichi Inc.'s \"Hiba Ururu\" is also sold on Rakuten Ichiba and Yahoo Shopping, gaining evaluation of the product itself along with its evaluation as a furusato nozei gift item. Using furusato nozei as an entry point and expanding into various sales channels like this lets you build a sustainable business model.<\/p>\n<p>Information listed on a matching site also has value as a medium- to long-term SEO asset. By appearing at the top of searches for keywords such as \"XX OEM\" or \"small-lot food processing,\" information reaches segments your own site alone cannot reach, and new business opportunities are born.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_h2er_LcC\"><strong>Summary: sustainable product development realized with regional ingredients and OEM<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Product development for furusato nozei is a prime opportunity to communicate a region's appeal nationwide.<\/p>\n<p>By making use of regional ingredients and borrowing the technical capability of OEM manufacturers, it is possible to create high-quality gift items from small lots. Using a matching site lets you efficiently find manufacturers that fit your requirements, and connections are born with businesses you could not have met at trade shows or on sales visits.<\/p>\n<p>The point for success is scientifically verifying the uniqueness of regional ingredients and clarifying them as product value. And it is carefully conveying the storytelling of product development to create empathy. Cooperation with different businesses within the region and a cooperative structure with chambers of commerce and industrial support organizations are also important elements for advancing the development process smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>A track record as a furusato nozei gift item also leads to expansion into general distribution. To build a sustainable regional brand, why not take the first step first? Starting with gathering information on a matching site or applying to a regional support project widens the possibilities of new product development.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/local-veg\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/studio-cms-assets\/projects\/9YWyw1reqM\/s-1280x720_v-fms_webp_fc237de1-b6a4-45e2-8184-0313930c4dc7.jpg\" alt=\"\u4f1d\u7d71\u91ce\u83dc\u3092\u4f7f\u3063\u305f\u5546\u54c1\u958b\u767a\"\/><\/a><\/figure>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":995,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"swell_btn_cv_data":"","ssp_meta_description":"\u3075\u308b\u3055\u3068\u7d0d\u7a0e\u306e\u5e02\u5834\u898f\u6a21\u306f\u5e74\u3005\u62e1\u5927\u3092\u7d9a\u3051\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002\u81ea\u6cbb\u4f53\u306b\u3068\u3063\u3066\u3001\u8fd4\u793c\u54c1\u306f\u5730\u57df\u306e\u9b45\u529b\u3092\u5168\u56fd\u306b\u767a\u4fe1\u3059\u308b\u91cd\u8981\u306a\u624b\u6bb5\u3067\u3059\u3002","ssp_meta_keyword":"\u3075\u308b\u3055\u3068\u7d0d\u7a0e\u5411\u3051\u5546\u54c1\u958b\u767a\u306e\u9032\u3081\u65b9"},"categories":[8,45,46,47,37],"tags":[59,69],"vegetable":[],"class_list":["post-686","oem","type-oem","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tea","category-recipe-usage","category-raw-material","category-product-development","category-food-oem","tag-oem","tag-ingredient"],"acf":{"summary":"\u3075\u308b\u3055\u3068\u7d0d\u7a0e\u5411\u3051\u5546\u54c1\u958b\u767a\u306fOEM\u3092\u6d3b\u7528\u3057\u3066\u5c0f\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u304b\u3089\u9ad8\u54c1\u8cea\u306a\u8fd4\u793c\u54c1\u3092\u751f\u307f\u51fa\u305b\u307e\u3059\u3002\u672c\u8a18\u4e8b\u3067\u306f\u5730\u57df\u4e00\u6b21\u7523\u54c1\u7d20\u6750\u306e\u7279\u5b9a\u3001\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e\u30b3\u30e1\u30a4\u30c1\u306e\u9752\u68ee\u3072\u3070\u00d7\u30ca\u30de\u30b3\u300c\u3072\u3070\u3046\u308b\u308b\u300d\u306e\u4e8b\u4f8b\u3001\u300c\u98df\u54c1OEM\u306e\u7a93\u53e3\u300d\u306e\u30de\u30c3\u30c1\u30f3\u30b0\u30b5\u30a4\u30c8\u6d3b\u7528\u3001\u5c0f\u30ed\u30c3\u30c8\u5bfe\u5fdc\u30e1\u30fc\u30ab\u30fc\u306e\u898b\u6975\u3081\u65b9\u3001JTB\u300c\u3075\u308b\u307dCoLABO\u300d\u306b\u3088\u308b\u7570\u696d\u7a2e\u9023\u643a\u306a\u3069\u5b9f\u8df5\u7684\u306a\u30ce\u30a6\u30cf\u30a6\u3092\u89e3\u8aac\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002","product":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oem\/686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oem"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/oem"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oem\/686\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3862,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oem\/686\/revisions\/3862"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=686"},{"taxonomy":"vegetable","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/agriture.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vegetable?post=686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}