Sugiyo Overseas Department Section Chief Megumi Koyama during a special interview with Bernama at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026) recently, where the Japanese seafood company made its debut as an exhibitor under the Japan Pavilion.

Kaoribako, a premium crab-flavoured seafood product made from high-quality Alaskan pollock surimi to replicate the appearance and texture of snow crab, was showcased at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026) recently, following its halal certification by the Japan Islamic Trust (JIT).

Founded in 1640, Sugiyo, a leading Japanese processed seafood producer and the world's first manufacturer of crab-flavoured seafood products, is seeking to capture a larger share of the global halal market by strengthening its presence in Malaysia through partnerships with local retailers to expand its product range.

Japan’s Sugiyo Eyes Bigger Halal Market Share In Malaysia

By Christine Lim

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Leading Japanese processed seafood producer, Sugiyo, is eyeing a bigger slice of the global halal market by expanding its presence in Malaysia.

Overseas department section chief, Megumi Koyama said the company is partnering with Malaysian retailers to expand its product line-up as part of its global expansion.

“Since we are already exporting to Saudi Arabia, we have already obtained halal certification this year as part of our push to explore new opportunities and expand into the global halal market in Malaysia and other parts of ASEAN.

“Malaysia is our first halal market in ASEAN,” she told Bernama at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026) recently, where the company made its MIHAS debut as an exhibitor under the Japan Pavilion.

Founded in 1640, Sugiyo is known as the world’s first manufacturer of crab‑flavoured seafood, which became a global hit.

“Our main raw material is the Alaskan pollock surimi fish paste, and we are already exporting the premium range to Malaysia,” said Koyama.

While rising costs -- especially for surimi fish paste and packaging materials -- have impacted the cost of production, she said the company is taking steps to maintain the price and quality of products.

“We have two production facilities for the crab-flavoured sticks, namely in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, and Washington, United States (US).

“In Japan, we specialise in producing the premium variants, while the US facility focuses on products that cater to the American market,” she said.

Koyama emphasised that Malaysia is an important market for Sugiyo since 1990, when the company began working with local partners to share its expertise in processed seafood products.

“We are exploring further opportunities in the Malaysian market,” she added.

-- BERNAMA