With the corporate motto of “making enthusiastic fans,” CRISP, Inc. operates a made-to-order salad restaurant chain called “CRISP SALAD WORKS” with 22 stores in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka. Utilizing IT platforms and devices such as order via App, self-checkout, and pick-up service, CRISP strives to change the traditional framework of the Japanese foodservice industry. Since its launch in 2014, CRISP has quadrupled its sales by 2023. Now it is recognized as a vigorous and unique foodservice company, which attracts health-conscious consumers in Japan.
CRISP sees California walnuts as an indispensable ingredient bringing rich aroma and pleasant texture as well as health benefits to their salad items. Currently, they use California walnuts in three regular salad items and one seasonal item. Thanks to CWC’s proposal during the visit by Pamela Graviet, Senior Director, Global Programs of CWC in September 2023, they decided to conduct extensive “California Walnuts Special Fair” to encourage consumers to order salad items using California walnuts as well as ordering walnuts as additional topping for other salad items starting November 16th until December 15th, 2023. To augment attention to California walnuts, CRISP created special banners and signage featuring benefits of walnuts at the stores, as well as on their App, website, and social media.
On Friday December 5th, 2023, the CWC Japan accompanied newly appointed Associate Administrator of FAS, Ms. Elaine Trevino, to one of CRISP SALAD WORKS outlets to showcase CWC’s market development activities. Associate Administrator met CRISP CEO Hiroshi Miyano, who founded CRISP having inspired by his experience in California. According to CEO Miyano, their year-over-year sales have greatly increased thanks to the partnership with CWC, during the time of the year they usually experience decline in sales due to colder weather. The sales of walnuts as a topping item have also been increasing. CWC Japan Office intends to further strengthen the successful partnership with CRISP and expand its salad promotions with other foodservice and deli/sozai operators in 2024.
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