Fukuoka-based spicy mentaiko maker Fukuya has announced it will begin wholesaling to department stores and high-end supermarkets this June. This marks Fukuya’s first foray outside of direct and mail-order sales since its founding in 1948. The company aims to expand its sales channels as the market for luxury gift items continues to shrink. As part of this wholesaling venture, the company will launch a new brand called Fukunoya, a range of 12 seafood products, including reasonably priced mentaiko, that will go on sale at Hakata Daimaru in Tenjin on June 24. Fukuya aims to steadily expand its sales to stores in the metro Tokyo area thereafter, and it has set an initial-year sales goal of ¥ 400 million. Nishinippon Shimbun 5/22
