Shokupan bread is just one example of how strong trade relationships can cross oceans, bridge knowledge gaps, and help maintain equitable market access for years to come.

Also known as Hokkaido milk bread or Japanese milk bread, Shokupan is a staple food in Japan. Found in convenience stores and bakeries across the country, the iconic, pillowy-soft white bread reflects the fast-paced Japanese lifestyle—where quality and convenience intersect.

Shokupan has a complex baking process which is the result of careful refinement of traditional processes and recipes. To achieve the signature fluffy texture and comforting flavour that Japanese customers expect, skilled bakers require ingredients that they can count on. The choice of many Japanese millers and bakers is Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat, known for its quality and functionality.

“The exacting nature of Shokupan production, with its long fermentation process and minimal use of additives, requires wheat with a perfect balance of strength and elasticity,” says Elaine Sopiwnyk vice-president of technical services at Cereals Canada. “Shokupan is a high-quality product, and it deserves a high-quality wheat like CWRS.”

Perfect for producing high-volume pan breads, including Shokupan, CWRS is prized around the world for its high protein content and excellent gluten quality, factors which improve processing and end-product characteristics such as crumb structure and bread volume. CWRS also typically has a higher water or baking absorption compared to competitors’ wheat, which means that bakers can produce more, with less.

Providing Premium Ingredients to a Quality-Conscious Market

Japan’s millers and bakers value quality, and Canadian wheat is worth the investment. Each year, 1.7 million tonnes of Canadian non-durum wheat is exported to Japan, on average. This represents nine percent of Canada’s average non-durum wheat exports and makes Japan the third largest international market for Canadian non-durum wheat.

To communicate the quality of Canadian wheat to Japanese millers and bakers, and others around the world, Cereals Canada presents its annual New Wheat Crop Report. As well, technical exchanges and seminars led by expert presenters provide an additional layer of personalized support, helping customers best utilize Canadian wheat in their products.

The consistent quality of Canadian wheat, backed by world-class customer support, ensures global customers receive the premium product they expect, while providing farmers and the value chain with access to one of the world’s most quality-conscious markets.

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Cereals Canada is a trusted independent source of technical support to customers and others in the cereals value chain. Learn more at: Technical Support