Cotswold artisan bakery, The Little Bakery Company, brought a taste of Gloucestershire to Japan this autumn after being selected to take part in one of the country's largest cultural events.
Showcasing signature bakes alongside handpicked British producers at the Hankyu British Fair in Osaka, now in its 58th year, the 2025 event focused on the English countryside.
The trip was made possible after Cotswolds businesses were chosen through a partnership between the Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Hankyu Department Stores Japan.
The Little Bakery Company, which has stores in Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh, presented handmade breads, pastries and cakes to visitors at the week-long fair, which attracts over 250,000 people each year.
Owners Alex and Narda Clavel travelled to Osaka to attend the event in person, serve customers and connect with other exhibitors.
Alex said: 'Taking The Little Bakery Company to Japan was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
'From the moment we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the warmth, kindness and genuine interest from everyone we met.
'To see people queuing to try our bakes and to hear how much they love British craftsmanship, was truly humbling. We’re deeply grateful to Hankyu and the Cotswolds Plus team for making it possible.'
The Little Bakery Company's appearance at the global event follows previous Cotswolds participation from Huffkins Bakery, which now has operations in Japan.
Organisers said the partnership reflects continuing interest from Japanese consumers in British heritage brands and forms part of wider efforts to 'expand the global reach of rural British producers' and 'promote inbound tourism in the region.'
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