Bio c’Bon Japon has opened its first Bio c’Bon branded organic supermarket in Tokyo.
The joint venture company was formed in 2016 and is a partnership between Japanese retail operator Aeon and French retail investor Marne & Finance Europe (operator of the Paris-headquartered Bio c’Bon organic supermarket chain).
The new JV was established to lead the development of an organic specialty supermarket business, and aims to capitalize on a fast growing market in Japan for natural and organic food. With sales of 143.1 billion yen (USD 1.3 billion, the organic market in Japan is already the seventh biggest in the world, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics predicted to be a spur for further growth.
The new Tokyo store has 420 sqm of selling space and stocks over 1,000 certified organic lines, extending from fresh food and grocery to personal care, to baby products and green cleaning products. A high percentage of fresh foods is sourced locally, for example salad vegetables from nearby Shibami Farm. The store also features a restaurant area and a large ‘meet and eat’ table. The store is located next door to a branch of French frozen food specialty store Picard (also managed by Aeon).
About Bio c’Bon
Bio c’ Bon was established in 2008, and is operating 90 organic “Bio c’ Bon” supermarkets, mainly in France. It focuses on “fresh perishables” and “reasonably priced products.” Besides Japan, Bio c’ Bon is also expanding its business in urban areas in Milan and Madrid. It is an affiliated company of business investment firm Marne & Finance Europe.
May 26, 2023