Kazunoko (Herring Roe), Salted & Seasoned

Kazunoko (数の子) · Japan-processed (raw herring roe often North Pacific/Atlantic; cured & seasoned in Japan)
Meat & Seafood Roe Frozen Growing export

Kazunoko (Pacific herring roe) is a crunchy, golden New-Year (osechi) delicacy symbolizing fertility. Japan is the dominant processor, salting and seasoning roe into the prized 'aji-tsuke' (dashi-marinated) form. It is exported as a premium gift/celebration item to Japanese communities and high-end markets abroad. Shipped chilled or frozen.

The supplierRoe processors specializing in salted/dashi-seasoned herring roe; gift/seasonal focus.
Why it sells abroadIconic New-Year delicacy; Japan-dominant seasoning craft; gift positioning

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHACCP (confirmed: mandatory in Japan). Allergen labeling & food-grade processing: standard requirements. Raw herring roe is often imported (North Pacific/Atlantic) then cured/seasoned in Japan (confirmed industry practice). No producer-specific cert verified.
Pack formatsVacuum/tray packs (100-500g); gift boxes; cartons.
Shelf lifeSalted: chilled ~3-6 months; frozen ~12 months; seasoned (ajitsuke) shorter.
StorageSalted: chilled 0-4C or frozen -18C. Seasoned: chilled 0-4C.
Minimum orderTypical: by carton
Lead timeTypical: 2-4 weeks (seasonal Dec peak)
CapacityTypical: seasonal gift volume
Container loadTypical: LCL/part-reefer
PricingTypical: $30-80/kg (seasoned premium)
OEM / private labelYes (seasoning/pack to spec).
Wholesale & MOQSalted/seasoned, chilled or frozen; MOQ by carton
Key exporters & distributorsJapanese roe houses, osechi/gift seafood exporters
Export regulationHACCP; salt/seasoning & allergen (soy, bonito) labeling; some bleaching (food-grade) declared. HS 0305 (salted fish roe) / 1604 (prepared/seasoned roe).
Market demandStrong seasonal/gift demand in US/Canada/Asia
How to source itJapanese roe processors (Hokkaido & osechi/gift suppliers) -> gift seafood exporter -> overseas importer.
Verified sourceshttps://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies (HACCP mandatory)
MakerJapanese roe processors (Hokkaido & osechi/gift suppliers)
OriginJapan-processed (raw herring roe often North Pacific/Atlantic; cured & seasoned in Japan)
CategoryMeat & Seafood / Roe
Available inUS, CA, HK +2 more
HandlingFrozen
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code0305 / 1604
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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.