Home run for iconic Aussie sports snack at Japan’s Field of Dreams

One of Australia's most recognisable snacks has hit a home run in Japan, with Four'N Twenty Pies now available to sports fans across the nation.

Four'N Twenty's parent company Patties Food has inked a deal with Koshien Stadium, the spiritual home of Japanese baseball and the literal home of the Hanshin Tigers, one of Japan's leading baseball teams.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said Japan is a key market for Australia's premium food exporters.

“Australia and Japan have a long, shared history. It's our second largest export market and our third-largest trading partner,” said Minister Farrell.

“This is a great win for both countries, on and off the pitch. I'm thrilled we can share another wonderful sporting tradition – an iconic Four'N Twenty pie at a sports event.”

Four'N Twenty Pies first launched in Japan in 2019, selling at more than 300 retail stores, more than 200 convenience outlets, theme parks and ski resorts. It's since expanded into five rugby stadiums and three soccer stadiums.

Anand Surujpal, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Patties Foods said the Australian Trade and Investment Commission's (Austrade) assistance and business development advice had been invaluable at building the brand in Japan.

“Baseball is Japan's most popular sport to play and watch,” said Mr Surujpal. “It is a sport where people enjoy eating and drinking while watching the game, so baseball was a perfect fit for Four N Twenty Pies.”

Japan is Australia's third-largest trading partner, with two-way goods and services trade valued at $66.3 billion, according to the latest data from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Japan is also Australia's second-largest export market, valued at $46.4 billion, accounting for 10.6 per cent of total exports. Agrifoods exports to Japan totalled $5 billion in 2021.