Dubai, UAE — January 2026: Country Hill International (CHI), one of the GCC’s leading premium meat and seafood importers and distributors, has announced a landmark partnership with Yamayuki, the legendary Japanese tuna wholesaler based at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, led by Yukitaka Yamaguchi, globally known as the ‘King of Tuna.‘
The collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind moment for the UAE, reinforcing CHI’s role as the driving force behind introducing the world’s most respected tuna authority to the region. As part of the partnership, Yamaguchi-san will visit the Middle East for the first time, which will be celebrated with an exclusive event at Atlantis The Royal in Gastronomy, bringing together top chefs, hospitality leaders, and culinary experts to experience Yamayuki’s tuna selection firsthand.
With decades of experience in global meat and seafood sourcing, CHI continues to set the standard for premium products in the region. The partnership will be rolled out through CHI’s B2B network and at its Prime Gourmet flagship, renowned for premium meats and specialty groceries, with The Fishmonger operating 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 consumers. Through this flagship, CHI reinforces its leadership as the region’s premier bridge between UAE chefs and world-class seafood producers.
The company’s strategic vision is further strengthened by Uoriki, a historic Japanese seafood group founded in 1930, specializing in retail, wholesale, and sushi restaurant operations across Tokyo. Uoriki’s role as a business ally to CHI underscores the company’s unique position in connecting the Middle East with the expertise standards of Tokyo’s Toyosu market.
At the core of the collaboration is Yamayuki’s renowned mekiki philosophy, a disciplined approach to tuna selection in which each fish is individually assessed for fat composition, texture, balance, and overall eating quality. Under Yamaguchi-san’s leadership, Yamayuki has become 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, known for its long-term partnerships, direct relationships with trusted global producers, and unwavering quality standards. Initial availability will focus on limited, seasonal quantities of top-grade wild Bluefin tuna, curated strictly according to Yamayuki’s standards. The partnership prioritizes selectivity, expertise, and long-term value, reinforcing CHI’s leadership in premium seafood while establishing Yamayuki as the definitive reference for tuna excellence in the Middle East.
