Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The previous edition of SMTS attracted over 40,000 visitors, showcasing the scale and importance of the event in the food distribution industry.
Event overview
Overview
The 61st Supermarket Trade Show 2027 (SMTS2027) is a business exhibition focused on the food distribution industry, primarily targeting supermarkets.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Supermarket Trade Show 2027 runs from February 17 to 19, 2027, at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is one of Japan's largest exhibitions for the food distribution industry, featuring numerous exhibitors and a wide range of products.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Japan Supermarket Association, with registration and programme details available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: The event attracts decision-makers, including executives, managers, and buyers from the supermarket sector.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is required for industry professionals only, ensuring a focused audience.
Why visit
Attending SMTS2027 offers visitors the chance to network with industry leaders, discover the latest products and solutions, and gain insights into market trends. Dates and Venue: The Supermarket Trade Show 2027 runs from February 17 to 19, 2027, at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. Co-located Events: The show will feature seminars and award ceremonies, enhancing networking opportunities.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at SMTS2027 provides companies with direct access to influential buyers and decision-makers in the supermarket industry, enhancing visibility and opportunities for business growth. Dates and Venue: The Supermarket Trade Show 2027 runs from February 17 to 19, 2027, at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. Scale and Focus: This event is one of Japan's largest exhibitions for the food distribution industry, featuring numerous exhibitors and a wide range of products.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Supermarket and grocery chain buyers and category managers
Food wholesalers and distributors serving Japanese retail
Fresh produce, meat, seafood and deli category buyers
Private-label and own-brand product development teams
Retail equipment, refrigeration and store-fixture purchasing staff
Food-service and convenience-store chain procurement teams
Importers and overseas exporters of packaged food and beverages
Retail marketing, merchandising and store-format specialists
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage manufacturers and processors
Fresh produce, meat, seafood and prepared-food suppliers
Private-label and own-brand producers
Retail technology, POS and store-system vendors
Refrigeration, shelving and store-fixture suppliers
Packaging and labelling suppliers for food retail
Distribution, logistics and cold-chain service providers
Food-import and trading companies serving Japanese supermarkets
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fresh food: produce, meat, seafood, deli and prepared meals
Processed and packaged foods and beverages
Confectionery, bakery and dairy products
Private-label / own-brand packaged goods
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Retail technology: POS, e-commerce and store-management systems
Store equipment: refrigeration, shelving, layout and fixtures
Packaging, labelling and food-safety solutions
Cold-chain and distribution services for food retail
Location & Facilities
Venue
Makuhari Messe
千葉市美浜区, Japan
Facilities
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Makuhari Messe in 千葉市美浜区 typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Makuhari Messe for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
（一社）全国スーパーマーケット協会
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The event drew a high-quality audience, with a significant percentage of attendees holding decision-making authority, including executives and buyers.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
Exhibitors reported strong engagement, with numerous leads generated and successful business meetings held during the event.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
千葉市美浜区, Japan
Why it matters
Attending SUPERMARKET TRADE SHOW - SMTS on 2027-02-17 to 2027-02-19 in 千葉市美浜区 lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · JPY
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Chiba Station / Kaihin-Makuhari outskirtsUSD 45–75 / night
Business hotels and capsule/inn options around Chiba Station and Chiba Minato; 1-2 train stops or a short taxi ride to Makuhari Messe. Rates are tight during SMTS/Foodex dates; book early and confirm before travel.
Mid-range
Makuhari / Kaihin-Makuhari StationUSD 90–160 / night
3-4 star hotels within walking distance or one short rail/taxi hop from Makuhari Messe; e.g. APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari and KEISEI HOTEL MIRAMARE. Confirm availability and shuttle details before travel.
Premium
Tokyo Bay / central Chiba / TokyoUSD 200–350 / night
Higher-end hotels in the Tokyo Bay area or central Chiba; convenient for combining the show with Tokyo meetings. Expect peak pricing around major trade fair dates — confirm before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
Estimated costJPY 200–400 one-way from central Chiba; JPY 400–800 from Tokyo Station
Best forJR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station, then walk to Makuhari Messe
Primary rail access to the venue; nearest station to the halls. Verify timetables and platform changes before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costJPY 2,000–3,500
Best forChiba Station area or local hotels to Makuhari Messe
Practical for visitors staying at Chiba Station area hotels; metered fare. Allow extra time during peak show hours — confirm before travel.
Car / parking
Estimated costFrom approx. JPY 400 per 24h at nearby lots; on-site event parking may be higher (typically JPY 1,000–2,000/day)
Best forOn-site and nearby paid parking at Makuhari Messe
Multiple hourly and reservable parking lots are listed around Mihama Ward near the venue. Rates vary by lot and event day — confirm before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costJPY 15,000–25,000
Best forNarita International Airport (NRT) to Makuhari Messe
Fixed or metered taxi; journey can take 40–70 minutes depending on traffic. Compare with the Narita Express + Keiyo Line combination; confirm before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costJPY 12,000–20,000
Best forTokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Makuhari Messe
Metered taxi or pre-booked transfer; journey often takes 45–80 minutes depending on traffic. Rail via Tokyo Station may be faster at peak times; confirm before travel.
Airport limousine bus
Estimated costJPY 1,000–3,500 depending on airport and stop
Best forNarita (NRT) / Haneda (HND) to Makuhari / Kaihin-Makuhari area
Convenient if available for your terminal and hotel area; schedules are limited and may change. Check the latest timetable and reservation requirements before travel.
Weather
Mid-February in Chiba is winter: typically cold and relatively dry. Daytime highs often around 10°C (50°F) and overnight lows around 2°C (36°F); rain or light snow is possible but not common. Makuhari Messe halls are indoor and climate-controlled, so lightweight layers work well. Check a live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Japan.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Trade-only exhibition
SMTS is a B2B exhibition only: general visitors, under-18s and students cannot be admitted, even with an accompanying adult, so plan visitor badges for business counterparts only.
Pre-registration required
Admission badges are issued after online pre-registration on the official SMTS site; even invitation ticket holders must complete online pre-registration.
Venue access
The show occupies all halls of Makuhari Messe at 2-1 Nakase, Mihama Ward, Chiba City. Kaihin-Makuhari Station (JR Keiyo Line) is the closest rail stop to the venue.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book international flights to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND); compare fares for the show dates on Google Flights, then plan the onward rail transfer to Kaihin-Makuhari Station for Makuhari Messe. Confirm booking and ground transport details before travel.
Visa
Japanese visa requirements depend on nationality and are not specified in the SMTS 2027 captures. Check the official Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa guidance and your local embassy before travel.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
The extension captures for the show's visa mission returned no official government content for SMTS 2027. Verify visa class, supporting documents and processing times with the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence, and apply in time for the 17-19 February 2027 show dates.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-02-16
Check-out (recommended)
2027-02-19
Areas to stay
Chiba Station / Kaihin-Makuhari outskirts · Makuhari / Kaihin-Makuhari Station · Tokyo Bay / central Chiba / Tokyo
budget
JPY 45-75/night
mid range
JPY 90-160/night
premium
JPY 200-350/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving 千葉市美浜区; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Makuhari Messe: Chiba Station / Kaihin-Makuhari outskirts: Chiba Station / Kaihin-Makuhari outskirts; Makuhari / Kaihin-Makuhari Station: Makuhari / Kaihin-Makuhari Station; Tokyo Bay / central Chiba / Tokyo: Tokyo Bay / central Chiba / Tokyo.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in 千葉市美浜区; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station is the main rail access point for Makuhari Messe, with a covered walkway to the halls. Hotels at Chiba Station connect to Kaihin-Makuhari via JR lines. Confirm live timetables and fares with the operator before travel.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Makuhari Messe; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Typically 2-11°C (36-52°F) in mid-February in Chiba; indoor halls at Makuhari Messe are climate-controlled. Confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: February is one of the drier months in the Chiba and Tokyo Bay area, with occasional rain or light snow. Carry a compact umbrella and a warm jacket for outdoor transfers between stations and the halls.
Packing: February 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SUPERMARKET TRADE SHOW - SMTS usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your SMTS 2027 online pre-registration is complete; the show is trade-only and badges are issued only to pre-registered business visitors. Save the confirmation email or QR code for offline access.
T-2
Check passport validity for Japan and confirm visa or visa-waiver eligibility for a short business visit; entry rules are set by Japanese immigration, not the organiser.
T-3
Book a hotel for 16-19 Feb 2027, choosing between the Makuhari Bay area (walking distance to Makuhari Messe) and the Chiba Station area (better JR connections and more dining options).
T-4
Buy or top up a rechargeable IC transit card (Suica, PASMO or ICOCA) for JR and local rail; mobile Suica in Apple Wallet works on most JR East lines.
T-5
Book rail or air travel to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), and plan the onward JR Keiyo Line transfer to Kaihin-Makuhari Station. Allow extra time for airport immigration and baggage.
T-6
Pre-plan meetings using the SMTS exhibitor and product search system at https://www.smts.jp/en/online/. Note the hall number for each target supplier.
T-7
Prepare bilingual business cards (Japanese on one side) and a one-page English buying brief; card exchange is standard in Japanese retail meetings.
T-8
Download your badge, check the official schedule page https://www.smts.jp/en/schedule/, and confirm currency (JPY) and payment options; some smaller shops and kiosks still accept cash only.
T-9
Arrive early at Makuhari Messe (2-1 Nakase, Mihama Ward, Chiba City); the show occupies multiple halls and security screening is used. Wear comfortable shoes because halls involve long walking distances.
Networking spots
2SUPERMARKET TRADE SHOW - SMTS registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 3 nights¥165
- Per diem × 3¥225
- Insurance¥25
Estimated total¥415
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether SUPERMARKET TRADE SHOW - SMTS fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- SMTS
- Supermarket Trade Show, the annual Japanese food-retail trade fair held at Makuhari Messe. The 2027 edition is the 61st.
- Makuhari Messe
- Convention and exhibition complex at 2-1 Nakase, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, host venue for SMTS across all halls.
- Pre-registration (advance registration)
- SMTS attendance system: qualified trade visitors register online in advance to receive an admission badge. Same-day registration is not typically offered.
- B2B-only admission
- SMTS admission is restricted to trade professionals. General visitors, under-18s and students are not admitted, even with an accompanying adult.
- National Supermarket Association (全国スーパーマーケット協会)
- Organiser of SMTS (Japan Self-Service & Chain Store Association / supermarket association group).
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- SUPERMARKET TRADE SHOW - SMTS 2027
- SMTS 2027
- SMTS Makuhari Messe 2027
- SMTS Chiba 2027
- food retail expo Japan 2027
- grocery retail technology expo Japan
- fresh food and beverage trade fair Japan
- packaging and food safety solutions expo Japan
- SMTS exhibitor list
- SMTS tickets
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Japan Supermarket Association
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.