Japan’s tapioca imports have risen sharply since the beginning of 2019 as the country witnessed a rise in the demand for bubble tea in the country.
The country imported about 6,300 tons of tapioca – spending 2.1 billion yen ($19.4 million) in the first seven months of 2019 – which is more than double the amount for the entire 2018.
Bubble teas have become very popular in Japan – leading to a sharp rise in tapioca – that is used as tapioca balls or peals in these teas. There is also a fad among Japanese youngsters to prepare tapioca drinks and sweets at home. In fact several supermarkets are now selling frozen tapioca.
For more recent cassava and starch trends in Asia, attend CMT’s 9th Starch World Asia on 11-13 February, 2020 in Bangkok.
