Kobe City: “Kobe Selection” Call for Applications Begins for the First Time in Four Years! -Gems of Gems

Press Release (November 8, 2023)
Economic Policy Division, Economy and Tourism Bureau

1. Outline

　　The “Kobe Selection” is a project that aims to revitalize the Kobe economy and create a new Kobe brand by recognizing and
disseminating throughout the country selected excellent products that reflect the charms of Kobe, such as its rich natural environment and history as an international trading city.
　　Since the start of the program in 2007, many products have been certified, but new certification has been suspended due to the Corona Disaster.
We have renewed the judging criteria and support contents, and are now reopening the application period.

2. products to be accepted

　　In addition to a story that conveys a sense of Kobe, we are looking for products that have elements such as “sustainability” to respond to changes in the social environment and topics of the times.
　　(1) Story
Does the product have a story starting from the life and traditions of Kobe?
　　(2) Innovation
Does the product have new ingenuity in response to changes in society and consumer values and behavior?
　　　In turn, does the product contribute to fostering a new culture?
　　(iii) Potential
Does the product have sufficient appeal in terms of taste, quality, design, and commitment?
　　　Also, whether the product has enthusiasm for growth and growth potential.
　　
4) Sustainability
Does the product take sustainability into consideration in order to pass on the rich natural environment cherished by our predecessors to the next generation and to contribute to global society?

3. benefits of certification

　　In addition to the existing support centered on department store sales events throughout Japan,
・Promote PR and sales outside the region by participating in various events outside the city
・Increase local recognition by opening pop-up stores in the city
・Promote PR support by introducing the products on EC mall sites and utilizing the “Kobe Selection” website and Instagram
etc, Support the expansion of sales channels for selected products. 4.

Application period

　　November 8, 2023 (Wednesday) – January 12, 2024 (Friday)
*In the event of a large number of applicants, the application period may be closed even during the application period.

5. Selection Schedule

　　Mid-February 2024: Selection Committee meeting, selection of selected products
Late February 2024: Announcement of selection results

6. Other matters related to the call for entries

　　Please refer to the “Kobe Selection” official website for the application guidelines.
　　URL: https: //www.kobe-selection.jp/