An experimental project to improve cabbage sales by predicting future supplies and prices using satellite data was started in Japan on Monday. Under the project, major advertising firm Dentsu, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, and a local member of the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives will promote cabbages produced in the village of Tsumagoi, Gunma Prefecture. They plan to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and explore the possibility of applying the approach to other crops and regions in the future.
When forecasts indicate a period of abundant supply, distribution channels will be expanded. During times of low supply, advertising efforts will be scaled back to help stabilize prices and minimize food waste. Producers usually rely on field inspections to monitor cabbage growth.
The new initiative, however, will use satellite data on cabbage color and size to forecast shipment volumes eight weeks in advance. Starting Monday, food maker Ajinomoto displayed its “Cook Do” seasoning products alongside Tsumagoi cabbage at supermarket operator Tokyu Store’s Sangenjaya outlet in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward. Based on future supply forecasts, cabbage-based recipes will be promoted at around 50 outlets.
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