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HINATA Trading
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Finding value.
Connecting worlds.

A loose line illustration inspired by Kobe’s harbour, city and mountains

HINATA Trading Co., Ltd. is an international trading company based in Kobe.

We operate primarily in the export sector, delivering exceptional Japanese food products and goods to the global market, while also engaging in pearl and AI solution businesses.

Acting as a bridge between producers and manufacturers and overseas markets, we share the value of Japan with the world.

Alexander Mueller

Alexander Mueller

Representative Director / CEO

Japanese value. New opportunities.

Japan possesses quality, technology, and culture that are world-class.

However, there are many instances where this value is not fully conveyed to overseas markets. We aim to contribute to the growth of producers and companies by bringing exceptional Japanese products—such as food items and pearls—to the global stage.

In recent years, we have also begun supporting operational efficiency through the use of AI technology, striving to create an environment where companies—both in Japan and abroad—can achieve greater growth.

From Kobe to the world. We remain committed to creating new value as a trusted partner.

Rings featuring white pearls

Andy Müller Collection

Purpose in practice.

Food exports

We bring Japanese food and agricultural products, with a focus on Japanese tea, matcha and wagyu, to overseas markets.

We connect producers and food manufacturers with overseas buyers, supporting sales channel development, export procedures and logistics arrangements.

Pearls

We supply pearls to jewellers and retailers in Japan and overseas, with a focus on Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls.

Our business also includes Andy Müller Collection and AUTORE, as well as introducing jewellery at our Kobe showroom.

AIRIS GEM

AIRIS GEM is a contact form outreach service. Starting with your draft, AI tailors the message to each recipient company’s business.

We handle recipient list building, message adaptation and submission. The service can be used for new business outreach, product announcements and exhibition invitations.

You can review recipients and messages in advance. An operator checks them before submission, which proceeds with your approval.

Andy Mueller holding a pearl

Andy Mueller

Founder & Chairman

Sharing the beauty of a pearl.

In my 50+ year career, I have come across many pearls. I was blessed with the opportunity. My encounters with each and every one of these grains have given me valuable experiences and lessons.

Andy Mueller's starting point is to experience the true beauty of pearls. I also believe that it has granted me a lifelong dream of owning one.

A fine pearl is a complete work of art in itself. Graceful drops, charming buttons, artistic baroque, sophisticated rounds... some have original shapes that look as if they were carved by an artist, and in terms of their unique beauty that is one of a kind in the world, they may be rarer than perfectly round pearls.

Andy’s journey

1947
Born in Switzerland
1969
Moved to Hong Kong
1972
President, Golay Buchel Japan
2002
HINATA Trading incorporated

His career has included more than 200 visits to Tahiti. Today he supports the business as Founder & Chairman.

Recognition, recorded in detail

Honours received by Andy Mueller

  1. 1991

    Decoration from the Burmese government

    Andy Mueller received a decoration from the government of Burma.

  2. 1997

    Chevalier de l’Ordre de Tahiti Nui

    On 1 August 1997, Andy Mueller was formally appointed Chevalier of the Order of Tahiti Nui by the government of French Polynesia.

    Andy Mueller’s appointment to the Order of Tahiti Nui, dated 1 August 1997
    Order of Tahiti Nui appointment / 1997
  3. 2009

    Gemological Excellence Award

    Awarded by the Swiss Gemmological Society.

Sharing knowledge internationally

Andy Mueller’s presentation history includes gemological conferences and symposia in Hawaii, Switzerland, the United States and Thailand.

Sharing knowledge internationally
YearConferenceLocation
1994Pearls ’94Hawaii
1998Swiss Gemmological SocietySwitzerland
1999International GIA SymposiumSan Diego, United States
2000GIA / TGJTABangkok, Thailand
2005GemmoBaselBasel, Switzerland
2009European Gemmological SymposiumBern, Switzerland

Our company within the group

Exporter
OEM & private-label manufacturing
NIPPON A PLUS
European desk & inventory
Japan-side liaison

Supply process

  1. ProductionMaking the products
  2. ExportShipping from Japan
  3. EU customsEuropean import formalities
  4. DeliveryTransport to the destination

Company overview

Company
HINATA Trading Co., Ltd.
Incorporated
27 November 2002
Representative Director
Alexander Mueller
Address
5F, 2-4-10 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0001, Japan
Contact
info@hinatatrading.com
+81-78-222-2209
Office hours
Weekdays 09:00–17:00 (Japan time) Closed weekends and public holidays.

Trade enquiries and documents

We are a GFP-registered exporter. Company information, registration records, product documents and references are available on enquiry.

Legal company informationRequest information
Display image of ANDY MÜLLER jewellery
Pearls and jewellery on display