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Ekberg Opens Store in Tokyo
🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

Ekberg Opens Store in Tokyo

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Ekberg, Finland's oldest bakery cafe, will open a new branch in Tokyo's Isetan Shinjuku department store in July.
  • The expansion into Japan is based on a licensing agreement, with relationships built over nearly 40 years.
  • The Tokyo store will feature classic Finnish baked goods, with plans for potential future menu expansion.

Ekberg, a Finnish bakery cafe with a history dating back to 1852, is set to expand its operations to Tokyo, Japan. The new outlet will open in July within the Isetan Shinjuku department store, becoming the only Finnish brand in the store's food hall.

we have been building relationships with Japan for almost 40 years.

— Martin TkaczickEkberg's chairman Martin Tkaczick discusses the long-term engagement with Japan leading to the Tokyo expansion.

This move into the Japanese market is the result of a licensing agreement, a strategic decision following nearly 40 years of cultivating relationships with Japan. Ekberg's chairman, Martin Tkaczick, stated that while previous licensing offers from Japan existed, none felt "right" until this opportunity arose. The idea for the Tokyo store originated from a buyer at the Japanese department store who had tasted Ekberg's cinnamon buns and was impressed.

offers for Ekberg's license had come from Japan before, but none before this had "felt right".

— Martin TkaczickEkberg's chairman Martin Tkaczick explains the selection process for the Japanese partnership.

Ekberg's leadership expressed strong confidence in their Japanese partners, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the brand's legacy. To ensure a smooth launch, key Ekberg personnel traveled to Tokyo to train the new staff on Finnish culture and baking standards. The initial offerings will include traditional Finnish treats like cinnamon buns and buttereye buns, with Tkaczick hopeful for future menu diversification.

We trust that they will take good care of our brand and what we have built so far.

— Martin TkaczickEkberg's chairman Martin Tkaczick expresses confidence in the Japanese partners managing the brand.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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