FUKUOKA, Oct 17 (News On Japan) - Sales of Hakata Wagyu beef began on October 15th at Fukuoka Airport's international terminal as part of efforts to expand overseas distribution channels, with a particular focus on attracting visitors from Singapore.
The beef, produced in Fukuoka Prefecture and sold under the regional Hakata Wagyu brand, is now available at a fruit shop inside the terminal. The product lineup includes a 170-gram mini steak and 230 grams of sliced cuts priced at 2,500 yen, as well as a 140-gram hamburger steak for 1,000 yen.
The move follows a regulatory change in May that allows travelers to bring up to five kilograms of beef from Japan into Singapore for personal consumption without quarantine inspection. Airport officials hope the relaxed rules will encourage tourists from Singapore to purchase Wagyu as a souvenir. "We have prepared conveniently sized portions that are easy to buy. In addition to travelers returning home, we also anticipate demand from businesspeople bringing gifts for clients in Singapore," a store representative said.
To accommodate the travel time to Singapore, the beef is sold with a special refrigerant that keeps it fresh for up to 12 hours, making it suitable for long-haul flights.
Source: FBS福岡放送ニュース