Japanese millers saw Australian wheat and durum quality and consistency decline a few years ago and worry Canada’s might go the same way.
As well, they aren’t sure who to talk to if problems arise in the post CWB-monopoly era.
“Since the CWB single desk system was dismantled, there is no contact person to address any problems we might encounter in the future,” said Japanese Flour Millers Association managing director Kenji Koibuchi.
“So far, we’re not sure what the future will be looking like.”
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Koibuchi, who was with a group of Japanese durum millers during a Canadian International Grains Institute durum milling program in October, said Australian wheat and durum shipments to Japan since the end of that country’s single desk marketing system have often caused problems for millers.
“Since AWB was dismantled in Australia, we have been getting unstable quality, unsure shipment to shipment, and we have experienced some troubles,” said Koibuchi.
Particularly worrisome for Japanese millers is their inability to find any central authority with which to resolve problems.
“Australian marketers are not really addressing these troubles and concerns as swiftly as we would like to see, so we just hope the same thing won’t be experienced with Canada,” he said.
“When the CWB was providing its services, CWB was always there to address the problems and to listen to what we had to say. Whenever we have encountered any problems or troubles, CWB is right there to address the problem.”
Japanese millers are willing to pay top dollar for top quality durum and wheat, which makes them eagerly sought by Canadian, Australian and American marketers.
The Japanese eat many pasta and noodle products, and consumers value quality durum.
Koibuchi’s organization represents 27 millers and 90 percent of domestic Japanese milling capacity. Six of the 27 companies mill durum.
Consistency is the most highly valued attribute of Canadian grain in Japan, he said.
“Durum from Canada has been able to maintain high quality consistently.”
