Benefits Of Japanese Star Anise To The Importers

Japan is one of the top star anise exporting countries and Japanese star anise makes such significant profits to the importers. If you are wondering whether star anise Japanese is good for trading and where to find star anise suppliers. Read this article to find out.

1. Overview of Japanese star anise

First of all, let’s take a look at the star anise in Japanese overview to answer the question “What is Japanese star anise?”. Native to Japan and China, the Japanese star anise plant produces fruit that resembles small stars with eight to twelve pointed ridges filled with seeds. The dried pods are typically reddish-brown in color and have a strong licorice flavor profile as well as various health benefits:

• Origin: Star anise Japanese is native to Japan and can be found in the southern regions of Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
• What does Japanese star anise look like: Star anise in Japanese (Illicium anisatum) flowers are visually striking, reddish-brown or maroon in color, and have a unique star-shaped appearance with 6-10 pointed petals arranged in a circular pattern. The flowers are relatively small, with a diameter of about 2-3 centimeters. Additionally, the flowers have a pleasant fragrance and the taste is slightly sweet and spicy, reminiscent of anise or licorice. The scent is most potent when the flowers are in full bloom. A Japanese star anise plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
• Japanese star anise benefits: Star anise in Japanese has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for its purported medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. However, due to its toxicity, it is not recommended for use in any medical context without proper guidance from a healthcare professional.
• Usages: Star anise Japanese has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, colds, coughs, and digestive issues. It has also been used as an insecticide and as a flavoring agent in some Japanese dishes.
• Japanese star anise side effects: While it is generally safe for consumption in small amounts, excessive consumption can lead to potential side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. It is important to use Japanese anise in moderation and to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.

	Japanese star anise	Other varieties
Moisture	5-10%	5%
Oil content	2-3%	1-2%
Average length	2-3 cm	2-5 cm

Star anise from Japan is generally higher in humidity and oil content than other varieties but lower in length. This could be the reason why Japanese anise is purchased by numerous anise importers, which leads to the higher price also.

2. Japanese star anise offer significant market potential to the importers

The market potential for star anise in Japanese is significant, particularly for importers who are looking to diversify their product offerings.

2.1 Japanese star anise benefits of finance to anise importers

In general, the unique flavor and aroma, limited supply, high demand, potential health benefits and cost-effectiveness of Japanese star anise make it a valuable commodity and a profitable import for businesses in the food industry:

• Unique flavor and aroma: Star anise in Japanese has a distinct, sweet, licorice-like flavor and aroma that is highly prized in the culinary world. Many cuisines in the world could only star anise in Japan instead of other varieties to make those dishes perfect. That’s why its unique flavor and aroma make it a valuable ingredient in the food industry. Star anise importers could gain big profits by trading Japanese star anise.
• Limited supply: Star anise Japanese is only grown in certain regions of Japan, and the supply is limited. This scarcity drives up the price, making it a lucrative crop for farmers and a valuable commodity for importers.
• High demand: Due to its unique flavor and aroma, Japanese star anise is in high demand in the food industry. It is used in a variety of products, including tea, sweets, and seasoning mixes. The high demand for star anise in Japan further contributes to its high price and potential for profits.
• Health benefits: Japanese star anise contains a compound called shikimic acid, which is used to make the antiviral drug Tamiflu. As a result, there is a growing interest in this plant’s health benefits, which may further increase demand and profits.

• Cost-Effective: Not only will you get top-quality star anise when you import directly from Japan, but you’ll also save money on your purchases since direct imports have lower prices than locally imported products. Depending on which supplier or distributor you use; discounts can be applied in bulk orders too. In the report of September 2021, Japan did not have a general export star anise tax, so it would be accurate to say that Japan’s export star anise tax is lower than the average in the world. 

2.2 Favorable conditions for Japanese star anise importing

There are several favorable conditions for importing star anise in Japan, including favorable trade agreements and efficient logistics and sustainable sourcing:

• Favorable trade agreements: The target markets, such as the United States, European Union, China, Australia and Canada,  have favorable trade agreements with Japan. This can make importing Japanese star anise more cost-effective by reducing or eliminating import tariffs and duties.
• Efficient logistics: Japan is known for having one of the most efficient Japanese star anise export logistics systems, characterized by high levels of reliability, safety, and speed. Its extensive transportation infrastructure for Japanese anise trading, which includes a well-developed network of highways, railways, and ports. Another favorable factor is advanced technology and automation systems for star anise in Japanese export logistics. The use of robotics and automated systems in warehouses and distribution centers helps to streamline operations and reduce Japanese anise delivery errors, while also increasing the quality of star anise in Japanese.

3. Average market prices of Japanese star anise

Based on the estimated average prices per ton provided earlier, the prices for Japanese star anise appear to be competitive with international prices for similar products:

Types	Price/ton
Whole Star Anise	$20000 to $50000
Broken Star Anise	$16,000 to $40,000
Star Anise Oil	$100,000 to $200,000
Star Anise Powder	$24,000 to $60,000

In the table, we can see the price for wholesale star anise in Japan is higher than broken star anise. But the price for star anise oil and star anise powder is higher than the whole star anise. The reason is that whole star anise is usually of higher quality than broken star anise since they are less likely to be damaged during transportation or processing. The higher quality of Japanese whole star anise may justify the higher price. The higher price of star anise oil and powder can often be attributed to their more intensive processing, higher concentration, and market demand. Star anise oil and star anise powders require more intensive processing than whole star anise. Star anise oil is extracted through a distillation process, which can be expensive and time-consuming. The powdered star anise is made by grinding star anise into a fine powder, which requires specialized equipment and additional processing steps. This additional processing cost can contribute to the higher price of star anise oil and powder.

Generally, Japanese star anise is higher than those of Chinese or Vietnamese or Indian star anise. However, based on available industry reports, the prices seem to be in line with prices for other varieties of star anise available on the international market.

Reasons why star anise Japanese has such high expense:

• Unique Flavor Profile: Star anise in Japanese has a more delicate and refined flavor profile compared to other varieties, which is due to its higher percentage of anethole, the compound responsible for its characteristic licorice-like flavor and aroma.
• Scarcity: Japanese star anise is a relatively scarce commodity compared to other varieties, as its production is limited to certain regions of Japan and requires a specific environment to grow, including a cool climate and well-drained soil.
• Labor-Intensive Cultivation: The cultivation and harvesting of Japanese star anise is a labor-intensive process, as each tree produces a relatively small amount of fruit, and the harvesting and sorting of the fruit is typically done by hand, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Demand for Premium Products: Star anise from Japan is often used in high-end cuisine and premium food products, which drives up demand and contributes to its higher cost.

4. Alternatives for imported Japanese star anise

While star anise from Japan is a unique and sought-after product, there are several alternatives available for anise importers looking for a more cost-effective option. Importers should consider the flavor profile, availability, and cost of each alternative when making decision.

• Chinese Star Anise: Chinese star anise is the most widely available variety of star anise in the global market and is typically less expensive than other varieties, including Japanese star anise. Chinese star anise has a stronger and more pungent flavor compared to star anise in Japanese, but it can be a suitable substitute in many recipes.
• Vietnamese star anise is another alternative to star anise Japanese, and it is the second most widely available variety in the global market after Chinese star anise. Vietnamese star anise is typically less expensive than Japanese star anise but can be more expensive than Chinese star anise. Vietnamese star anise has a similar flavor profile to Chinese star anise, but it is generally considered to have a slightly sweeter and more delicate taste. Vietnamese star anise is also known to have a higher oil content, which makes it desirable for use in the production of essential oils and other aromatic products.
• Indian Star Anise: Indian star anise is another alternative to Japanese star anise and has a flavor profile that is closer to the Japanese variety than the Chinese variety. Indian star anise is typically less expensive than Japanese anise but can be more expensive than Chinese star anise.

5. All about Japanese star anise suppliers you should know

Here are some features, ways to connect, some signs of fraud and several significant Japanese suppliers that you can refer to.

5.1 Types of Japanese star anise supplier

Here are 4 types of Japanese star anise supplier:

• Large-scale supplier: Large-scale suppliers in Japan are able to export significant amounts of star anise globally, working with multiple farmers and processing units, and having a well-established supply chain. If importers need a large quantity of anise, cost-sensitive, require regulatory compliance and consistency, and have a sufficient budget, they may want to consider importing from large-scale star anise suppliers in India.
• Small-scale Japanese star anise suppliers may offer specialized products and cater to local markets. Importers with smaller budgets and looking for personalized service, direct sourcing, and sustainable practices may consider them.
• Direct suppliers: Direct star anise suppliers in Japan may directly sell their products to customers via online platforms or physical stores, allowing for more transparency and control over product sourcing and quality. This model can be advantageous for importers seeking greater control over sourcing and potentially lower costs.
• Cooperative: Cooperative Japanese star anise suppliers are owned and operated by groups of farmers who prioritize social and environmental sustainability. Importers can benefit from greater transparency, traceability, better pricing, and support for the local community by importing from them.

5.2 Steps to successfully import Japanese star anise from suppliers

Many corporations are now interested in importing products from Japan, due to their high quality and competitive prices. However, it is important to understand the steps necessary for a successful import Japanese star anise:

• Identify potential Japanese star anise suppliers  and conduct research on their reputation, quality, and pricing.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses from the importing country’s government agency responsible for regulating the importation of star anise, such as the food and drug administration or customs agency.
• Contact the selected Japanese star anise supplier and obtain a quote for the desired quantity of star anise, as well as shipping and other related costs.
• Negotiate the terms of the agreement, including price, payment terms, delivery schedule, and any other relevant details.
• Arrange for shipping and transportation of the star anise from the supplier in Japan to the importing country. This may involve working with a freight forwarder or shipping company to handle logistics and customs clearance.
• Receive and inspect the Japanese star anise upon arrival to ensure that it meets the agreed-upon quality standards and specifications.
• Pay the supplier according to the agreed-upon payment terms.
• It is essential to ensure compliance with all applicable import regulations, including those related to food safety, product labeling, and customs requirements. Working with a reputable and experienced importer or customs broker can help facilitate the process and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

5.3 Sign of scam Japanese star anise suppliers

It is always important to do thorough research and due diligence when dealing with any potential supplier, especially when dealing with a new supplier or one from a foreign country. Check references, verify their business registration, and carefully review any contracts or agreements before signing:

• Unsolicited offers: If you receive unsolicited emails or calls from a supplier offering Japanese star anise at very low prices or with unrealistic guarantees.
• Lack of transparency: If the supplier is unwilling to provide clear information about their business or the products they offer, or if they refuse to provide references or proof of their business registration.
• Payment methods: If the supplier insists on payment through non-traceable methods, such as wire transfer or Western Union, rather than more secure methods like PayPal or credit card.
• Poor communication: If the supplier is unresponsive, delays in providing information or fails to answer your questions.

5.4 Some reliable Japanese star anise suppliers

Below are some famous star anise Japanese suppliers that you can rely on.

• Asahi Food & Healthcare Co., Ltd.: Asahi Food & Healthcare is a major Japanese star anise supplier in Japan. They have been in the business for over 130 years and are known for their high-quality products. Asahi Food & Healthcare’s star anise is sourced from around the world, and they have strict quality control measures in place to ensure that their products meet their high standards. In addition to supplying star anise to the food industry, Asahi Food & Healthcare also offers a range of products for consumer use, including spice blends and herb teas.
• Kanamaru Co., Ltd.: Kanamaru is a well-known supplier of Japanese star anise. They have been in the business since 1899 and are committed to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service. Kanamaru sources their star anise from China, Vietnam, and other countries, and they have a team of experts who evaluate the quality of each batch to ensure that it meets their standards. 
• Nihon Shokken Co., Ltd.: Nihon Shokken is a leading manufacturer of seasoning and flavoring products in Japan. They offer a wide range of products, including Japanese star anise, and are known for their innovative products and high-quality standards. They have a strong commitment to sustainability and have implemented measures to reduce waste and conserve energy in their manufacturing processes. Nihon Shokken also has a research and development team that is constantly working on new products and flavor innovations.