Jam production has become popular as part of the "One Village, One Product" campaign, initially proposed in 1983, as a result of Hokkaido's abundant fruits and vegetables. In 1985, jam quality and the jam-production environment were researched in an attempt to improve quality and strengthen marketability. At that time, the ingredients and distinguishing characteristics of 32 Hokkaido-produced jams were analyzed. Later, in 1988, the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) were revised (Notice of MAFF* No.524, April 20, 1988) and the circumstances surrounding jam production changed accordingly. Therefore, a second study was conducted in 1993 in which the ingredients and special characteristics of 47 Hokkaido-produced jams were analyzed. The findings of this latest study indicate a continuing trend towards lower sugar content and increasing product diversity.

*Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries