Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

About UENO GOURMET

UENO GOURMET is a leading supplier of premium sake in Europe and has offices in Germany, Switzerland and England.

Ueno Gourmet

Discover New Worlds of Flavor

Sake, Shochu, and Soy Sauce — UENO GOURMET is the boutique trading house for Japanese premium products in Central Europe and the UK. Through our products and events, we convey the cultural essence of Japanese craftsmanship and enjoyment.

Our founder, Yoshiko Ueno-Müller, holds the rare title of Sake Samurai – she is one of Japan’s most respected cultural ambassadors of taste and an award-winning author. Together with her husband, Jörg Müller, and our dedicated team, we personally serve our customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We conduct professional trainings, tastings, educational events, and culinary experiences to share our passion for Japan’s finest flavors.

Discover new worlds of taste with the UENO GOURMET team.

The address for Japanese culinary culture

Thanks to our high-quality portfolio and strong network, we have grown since our founding in 2005 into the leading importer of premium sake in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Behind this success lie two decades of hard work and a clear vision: to establish sake in fine dining as an equal companion to wine and champagne. From the beginning, we have also been dedicated to making sake approachable for private connoisseurs. The foundation for this has always been our comprehensive professional education programs on sake. Over the past twenty years, Yoshiko has trained more than 800 sommeliers. We are proud to count many renowned sommeliers and chefs among our close partners and friends.

A Bridge Between German and Japanese Culture

We see ourselves as more than just an import company – through our Sake & Shochu Academy Europe, we act as a cultural bridge between Germany and Japan. Our mission is not only to inspire newcomers but also to educate the next generation of industry professionals.

In our seminars, we often speak about “Omotenashi”, the Japanese philosophy of hospitality. But “Omotenashi” goes far beyond conventional service. Its magic lies in subtle gestures and thoughtful attention to detail — creating an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for. It is deeply rooted in empathy — sensing a guest’s needs before they are expressed. “Omotenashi” is an attitude, a mindset of genuine care. Anyone who experiences Japanese-style hospitality for the first time will never forget it.

Sake & Shochu Academy

Our philosophy

When selecting our products, we follow these guiding principles:

  • Premium products of outstanding taste
  • Personally selected items directly from renowned producers in Japan
  • Craftsmanship and production rooted in traditional methods
  • Exclusively made from Japanese ingredients
  • Aroma-preserving transport (by air freight or refrigerated sea container)
Sake Video Preview Image