Country Hill International (CHI), a leading premium meat and seafood importer and distributor across the GCC, has announced a landmark collaboration with Yamayuki, the iconic Japanese tuna wholesaler operating from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and led by Yukitaka Yamaguchi, globally recognised as the ‘King of Tuna’.
This partnership marks a historic milestone for the UAE, further strengthening CHI’s position as the key facilitator in introducing the world’s most respected tuna authority to the region. As part of the agreement, Yamaguchi-san will travel to the Middle East for the first time, with the occasion to be celebrated through an exclusive event at Atlantis The Royal in Gastronomy. The event will bring together leading chefs, hospitality figures and culinary experts for a rare opportunity to experience Yamayuki’s premium tuna selection.
With decades of expertise in sourcing the finest meat and seafood globally, CHI continues to raise the benchmark for premium offerings in the region. The partnership will be rolled out through CHI’s extensive B2B network and at its Prime Gourmet flagship store, renowned for premium meats and speciality groceries. The Fishmonger will serve as the dedicated in-store seafood destination, offering expertly selected fish and exclusive access to Yamayuki’s exceptional tuna for both professional chefs and discerning customers. Through this flagship concept, CHI further cements its role as the region’s foremost link between UAE chefs and world-class seafood producers.
CHI’s strategic vision is further reinforced through its alliance with Uoriki, a historic Japanese seafood group founded in 1930, specialising in retail, wholesale and sushi restaurant operations across Tokyo. Uoriki’s partnership highlights CHI’s unique position in connecting the Middle East with the expertise and standards of Tokyo’s Toyosu market.
Central to the collaboration is Yamayuki’s acclaimed mekiki philosophy, a disciplined approach to tuna selection where each fish is individually evaluated for fat content, texture, balance and overall eating quality. Under Yamaguchi-san’s leadership, Yamayuki has established itself as the global benchmark for wild Bluefin tuna, trusted by the world’s most elite chefs.
“This partnership reflects CHI’s long-term vision for premium seafood in the region,” said Maria Luisa Panzica La Manna, Chief Commercial Officer at Country Hill International. “Welcoming Yamaguchi-san to Dubai gives chefs and food enthusiasts a rare chance to engage with one of the world’s leading tuna experts, while reinforcing CHI’s role as the bridge between the UAE and Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
Established in the UAE, CHI is a leading GCC supplier of premium meat, seafood and dry goods, recognised for its long-term partnerships, direct relationships with trusted global producers and uncompromising quality standards. Initial availability will focus on limited, seasonal quantities of top-grade wild Bluefin tuna, curated strictly in line with Yamayuki’s standards. The partnership emphasises selectivity, expertise and long-term value, reinforcing CHI’s leadership in premium seafood while positioning Yamayuki as the definitive authority for tuna excellence in the Middle East.
