2025 Volume 61 Issue 4 Pages 205-213
This study analyzes management perceptions, needs, and support for market expansion among brand-certified agricultural product processors in the Chutan region of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Although brand-certified businesses enhance their competitiveness through improved quality and trust, many still face challenges in expanding sales channels and marketing due to limited resources. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2024 with 24 certified local food processors to examine their business awareness, sales strategies, and attitudes toward technology adoption. The results reveal that the respondents—local processors who have obtained brand certification—expressed a strong sense of pride in their certified products and contribution to the regional community, but also indicated the underutilization of digital marketing and online sales. The study emphasizes the need for adopting digital technology, community collaboration, and educational programs to support sustainable growth and market differentiation.
