Sake Categories for Export
| Grade | Polish Ratio | Wholesale (¥/720ml) | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junmai Daiginjo | 50% or less | ¥3,000-15,000 | Fine dining, collectors |
| Junmai Ginjo | 60% or less | ¥1,500-4,000 | Premium restaurants, retail |
| Junmai | No minimum | ¥800-2,500 | Izakaya, everyday premium |
| Honjozo | 70% or less | ¥600-1,500 | Volume market, warm sake |
Temperature Is Everything
Unlike wine, most premium sake should be stored and shipped at refrigerated temperatures (5-10°C). Unpasteurized (nama) sake requires strict cold chain at 0-5°C. Temperature abuse causes amino acid degradation and off-flavors — irreversible damage.
Export Process
- Brewery selection — visit or evaluate samples from target breweries
- Liquor tax clearance — paid at designated tax office before export
- Labeling compliance — destination-specific labeling requirements (ABV, allergens, importer info)
- Temperature-controlled shipment — reefer container or insulated air freight
Premium Sake Sourcing
We work with 50+ breweries across Japan. From Niigata to Fukuoka, find the perfect sake for your market.
Explore Sake Selection →FAQ
Does sake expire?
Sake does not have a strict expiration date but quality peaks within 6-12 months of bottling for standard types. Aged (koshu) sake is the exception and improves over years.
Can I export sake to any country?
Most countries allow sake import but labeling and licensing requirements vary. The US requires TTB approval, EU has standard wine/spirits import rules.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen