EXPORTERS in the region are encouraged to tap the LOHAS market or the Lifestyle of Health And Sustainability market, wjich makes up about 30 percent of the adult population in Japan.
Speaking before Davao exporters and brokers, Organic Producers and Trade Association of the Philippines executive producer Girlie Sarmiento introduced this particular market for Filipino exporters to take advantage of in exporting products to Japan.
The LOHAS market needs goods and services focused on health, environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living.
Sarmiento described this demand as a potential window for Philippine export since the country is rich in organic products. Japanese consumers prefer environment-friendly goods and services.
The LOHAS market is categorized as personal development like zen and tea ceremony; alternative healthcare like aromatherapy and food education; health lifestyles like natural organic food; ecological lifestyle like energy saving products; and sustainable economy like renewable energy.
Sarmiento said this is the characteristic of the Japan market that Filipino exporters should consider and focus on.
She added that consumers are generally well educated and discriminating, thus, the need for intensive study and research for Filipino exporters before trying out the said market.
“The Japanese are also particular in the aspect of product quality. There may be many suppliers in the market both from abroad and from within the country but quality products command a good price,” she said.
Japan has a total of US$ 693 billion total merchandise imports from the world making it the fourth largest importer of goods in the world.PIA 11/MAI GEVERA-MACAPAGAT]
