While European cannabis companies face increasing pressure from the EU-wide ban on CBD in food products, Japan made a landmark decision in December by becoming the first country in the world to officially approve CBD as a food ingredient. Astrasana Japan Ltd. will tap into this promising market together with the established Japanese company GSI Creos Corporation.
The Partnership
GSI Creos, a publicly listed company with a long corporate history, has secured a 20% stake in Astrasana Japan Ltd. Astrasana Japan is a subsidiary of Astrasana Holding AG, which encompasses ten companies in total and operates offices in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.
For the Japanese market, Astrasana exclusively relies on high-quality CBD raw materials sourced from Switzerland. CEO Yves Antoniazzi explains: “The Swiss Made label stands for the highest quality in Japan. That is exactly what convinced our new partner.”
Strategic Significance
Tadaaki Yoshinaga, CEO of GSI Creos for over 20 years, has successfully diversified the originally textile-focused company into new sectors, including healthcare. He emphasises the importance of “a secured supply chain” through the partnership with Astrasana.
Antoniazzi adds that a clear global trend towards legalisation is emerging, and Astrasana is preparing for market openings worldwide.
