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- 📅 Date: 22 January 2025, 08:30 – 14:00
- 📍 Venue: Grand Nikko Hotel, 2-6-1 Daiba Minato-ku, Tokyo
Elevating Sustainability in the Japanese Coffee and Cocoa Market
The 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference Tokyo 2025 brought together key industry players to
Simultaneous translation between English and Japanese ensured an inclusive discussion among importers, roasters, retailers, sustainability experts, and researchers.
Key Takeaways from the 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference Tokyo 2025
The event sparked transformative discussions around:
- ✅ Building deforestation-free supply chains and ensuring responsible sourcing practices.
- ✅ Reducing emissions through the 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On and driving climate action.
- ✅ Empowering smallholders in producing countries to enhance sustainability and livelihoods.
- ✅ Navigating evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence and strategic alignment.
The key outcome of this event was a renewed, collective commitment to responsible sourcing, combating climate change, and empowering producers globally. Participants, including representatives from producing countries, emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility to achieve meaningful progress in sustainability.
Below is an overview of the agenda points and the presentations available for download:
Welcome Speeches
- Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services
- Prof. Yuya Kajikawa, University of Tokyo
Sourcing of Sustainable Coffee and Cocoa for the Japanese Market
- Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services
Due Diligence Regulations and Sustainable Trade: Global Positions and Implications for the Japanese Market
- Ms. Viet Ha Nguyen, Senior Sustainability Manager, 4C
Innovative Solutions to Sustainable and Responsible Coffee and Cocoa Production
- 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On: How to Source Climate-Friendly Coffee and Reduce Carbon Footprints
Mr. Kedar Nepal, Senior Sustainability Manager, 4C
- Life Cycle Assessment in the Coffee Sector
Mr. Tommy Sekiguchi, Collaborative Researcher, University of Tokyo - Sustainable Coffee Challenge and Landscape Approach
Ms. Yuriko Matsumoto, Conservation International Japan
Case Study: Joint Journey with 4C and Sustainable Coffee Sourcing
- Mr. Duc Huy Le, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Simexco Daklak Ltd.
New Endeavours and Perspectives
- Adding Value with 4C Certification: Enhancing Sustainable and Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production
Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C
- Sustainable Packaging Innovations: Opportunities with Bio-Based and Circular Solutions for Lower GHG Emissions
Dr. Jan Henke, Director, ISCC Systems GmbH
Panel Discussion: Japanese Market and Sustainability, Responsible Coffee Sourcing
Featuring:
- Mr. Ryota Ito, Chief Sustainability Officer, Horiguchi Coffee, Inc
- Mr. Santiago Sabogal Troncoso, Green Coffee Manager, National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC)
- Mr. Duc Huy Le, Chairman of Board of Directors, Simexco Daklak Ltd.
- Mr. Tommy Sekiguchi, Collaborative Researcher, University of Tokyo
Moderated by 4C Services
Closing Remarks
- Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C
Networking & Consultations
Attendees engaged in networking opportunities and participated in in-person consultation meetings with Japanese-English translation assistance available.
🌿 Acknowledgments
We extend our gratitude to Vinh Hiep Co. Ltd. for their contribution to this event through their sponsorship and ongoing commitment to sustainability in the coffee and cocoa industries.
A special thank you to our panelists and speakers, as well as The University of Tokyo, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (AGF), and Simexco Daklak Ltd., for their invaluable insights and dedicated support during the event.
4C is proud to partner with Japanese industry leaders who are paving the way for innovative supply chain solutions. Together, we are making Japan a hub for sustainable and responsible sourcing.
To our Final Buyers and system users in Japan: Thank you for your unwavering cooperation and support in advancing our shared mission.
Let’s continue to champion sustainability, collaboration, and innovation for a better future! 🌎✨
We gratefully acknowledge Vinh Hiep Co.Ltd. for their generous sponsorship of the coffee breaks at this conference.