Katsuobushi (Dried/Shaved Bonito Flakes)

Various (e.g. Yamaki, Marutomo, Makurazaki producers) · Japan; EU-compliant production in Spain; scraping in Thailand for EU/UK
Seasonings Dashi & Umami Ambient Growing export

Dried, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna shaved into delicate flakes — the heart of authentic dashi and a topping (okaka) for okonomiyaki/takoyaki. A notable export hurdle: traditional dry-smoked bonito exceeds the EU benzo[a]pyrene limit, so European supply comes from a Spanish plant exporting to ~20 countries or from Thailand-scraped product for the UK. Essential foodservice umami.

The supplierJapanese bonito processors — Yamaki (founded 1917, Ehime; major), Marutomo, Makurazaki producers; plus EU-compliant production in Spain and scraping in Thailand for EU/UK (to meet EU smoking/PAH and HACCP rules). Mid-large makers with export experience and English B2B via importers.
Why it sells abroadAuthentic smoked-dried bonito for genuine dashi; EU-compliant supply (Spain/Thailand processing) solves the hardest market-access barrier — a key differentiator for EU/UK importers.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsEU route: EU-approved HACCP fish-processing required (Spanish plants / Thai scraping for EU/UK; PAH-compliant smoking). FSSC at major Japanese makers (Yamaki/Marutomo; industry-standard). Halal: select halal-certified katsuobushi exists (confirmed — e.g. Marutomo halal SKUs in Malaysia; halal bonito flakes traded), but not all Yamaki SKUs certified. Kosher: not publicly verified (fish, but no katsuobushi hechsher located).
Pack formatsRetail: 3g sachets, 40g/70g/80g/500g bags. Foodservice: 500g/1kg bulk bags; whole katsuobushi blocks. Cases of 10-20.
Shelf life12 months unopened (flakes); whole blocks longer.
StorageCool, dry place; reseal; keep away from humidity.
Minimum orderTypical: importer pallet; FCL ex-Japan/Spain.
Lead timeTypical: 4-6 weeks ex-Spain (EU); 6-10 weeks ex-Japan.
CapacityMedium-high; EU-compliant capacity constrained (limited approved plants).
Container loadTypical: ~20 pallets per 20ft (very light/bulky — volume-limited not weight-limited).
PricingEstimate: $20-40/kg wholesale (high — labor-intensive); confirm via maker.
OEM / private labelOEM/private-label and bulk flake supply common (Yamaki/Marutomo are B2B suppliers; Marutomo distributes via Nishimoto/Wismettac in the US).
Wholesale & MOQJFC/Wismettac/Mutual Trading for non-EU; EU buyers source from the Spanish plant or scraped product; foodservice (ramen/sushi/dashi) case MOQ.
Key exporters & distributorsSpanish katsuobushi plant (EU), JFC International, Wismettac, Mutual Trading
Export regulationEU benzo[a]pyrene PAH limit (5.0 µg/kg) vs. traditional katsuobushi at ~14-37 µg/kg → requires EU/3rd-country production or surface-scraping; fish allergen labeling; histamine controls.
Market demandStrong and rising — ramen/dashi/Japanese-cuisine growth; EU/UK demand bottlenecked by compliance, so compliant supply is highly valued.
How to source itVia Yamaki (US arm: Forest Grove, OR) / Marutomo (US via Nishimoto/Wismettac) & EU-compliant Spanish processors for EU/UK; specialty importers; JETRO, FOODEX, Anuga/SIAL (EU).
Verified sourceshttps://oishii-desu.com/2021/02/22/all-about-katsuobushi-bonito-flakes-and-which-japanese-brands-to-buy/; https://www.lazada.com.my/tag/japanese-bonito-flakes/
MakerJapanese bonito processors (Yamaki, Marutomo) + EU-compliant plants (Spain)
OriginJapan; EU-compliant production in Spain; scraping in Thailand for EU/UK
CategorySeasonings / Dashi & Umami
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Spain +4 more
HandlingAmbient
Price tierMid
ChannelFoodservice
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code0305.59
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.