Food · Fermented foods

Benizake (Sockeye Salmon)

べにざけ (Benizake)

Also known as: Benizake, Sockeye salmon, Red salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, 紅鮭

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameべにざけ
Common Japanese notationsべにざけ, 紅鮭, ベニザケ
OriginSockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka); Pacific salmon species not native to mainland Japanese waters (small Hokkaido population only); essentially all commercial supply imported from USA Alaska, Canada, Russia
Typical functionsPremium salt-cured shio-zake — vivid red color and rich flavor commands premium positioning, Smoked salmon, Premium gift retail
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Imported origin (Alaska, Canada, Russia) disclosure essential. **Salmon is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**

Benizake (べにざけ / 紅鮭) — sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) — is principally imported from USA Alaska, Canada, and Russia. The OEM positioning is premium salt-cured shio-zake (vivid red color and rich flavor) and premium gift retail.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Salt-cured benizake retail (premium gift positioning)
  • Frozen and fresh fillet retail

Ingredient profile

Oncorhynchus nerka sockeye salmon. Imported.

OEM applications

Premium salt-cured shio-zake.

Smoked salmon.

Premium gift retail.

For OEM: premium salt-cured retail and gift OEM.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Imported origin disclosure. Salmon allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUEstablished global sockeye trade.
USAMajor US Alaska sockeye industry. Salmon allergen mandatory.
ChinaEstablished global trade.
KoreaEstablished trade.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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Seasonality & supply calendar

Harvest months
June – September (sockeye salmon run)
Peak supply
July – August
Off-season
October – May (frozen supply continues)

Source: 水産庁 import statistics. Imported almost entirely from Alaska / Russia; Japanese-domestic production negligible.

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Benizake (Sockeye Salmon)?
Benizake (べにざけ / 紅鮭) — sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) — is principally imported from USA Alaska, Canada, and Russia. The OEM positioning is premium salt-cured shio-zake (vivid red color and rich flavor) and premium gift retail.
What is the regulatory status of Benizake (Sockeye Salmon) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Imported origin (Alaska, Canada, Russia) disclosure essential. **Salmon is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**
What products typically use Benizake (Sockeye Salmon)?
Salt-cured benizake retail (premium gift positioning) / Frozen and fresh fillet retail
Where does Benizake (Sockeye Salmon) come from?
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka); Pacific salmon species not native to mainland Japanese waters (small Hokkaido population only); essentially all commercial supply imported from USA Alaska, Canada, Russia
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Benizake (Sockeye Salmon)?
JSCI: べにざけ

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — べにざけ

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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