Bento&co

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Overview

Bento&co is an online retailer specializing in bento boxes and Japanese food containers, based in Kyoto, Japan. The company has established itself as a premier specialty retailer for bento boxes and related accessories, serving customers across approximately 97-100 countries since its founding. The brand is known for curating traditional Japanese crafts, including bentwood bento boxes, decorative separators, and picks, while maintaining a focus on quality Japanese products and customer service.

History

Bento&co was founded in November 2008 by Thomas Bertrand, originally from France, and his wife Erico, a Kyoto native, starting from a tiny house in Kyoto with approximately $300 in initial stock. In March 2012, the company relocated to downtown Kyoto and opened a brick-and-mortar flagship boutique. The company has grown to become Japan's premier specialty bento box retailer while maintaining its original mission of promoting quality Japanese products and culture. Bento&co has expanded its reach to serve resellers, hotels, and restaurants across 25 countries, with primary customer bases in France, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Traditional Bentwood Bento Boxes	Authentic Japanese crafted containers	$50 - $300
Decorative Bento Separators and Picks	Functional bento accessories	$5 - $50
Japanese Food Containers	Specialty storage and serving vessels	$30 - $200

Manufacturing

The company sources products from Japanese makers and artisans based in Kyoto. Manufacturing details indicate reliance on established Japanese producers rather than in-house production, with products representing traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Notable Products

Bentwood Bento Boxes - Traditional Japanese lacquered or wooden bento boxes handcrafted by local artisans
Decorative Bento Separators - Functional dividers and organizers for bento box compartments
Bento Picks and Accessories - Specialized utensils and decorative elements for bento presentation

Reputation

Bento&co is recognized as a pioneer in popularizing bento boxes in Europe, particularly in France, establishing credibility as a specialty retailer dedicated to authentic Japanese food culture. The brand is valued for its commitment to quality Japanese products and customer service, with a diverse international customer base spanning over 95 countries. The company has successfully leveraged digital marketing and influencer partnerships to build brand awareness. Limited criticism is evident in available sources, though the company operates in a niche market with relatively modest scale compared to mass-market food container retailers.

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