The UAE’s culinary standards just took a significant leap forward. Country Hill International (CHI) has officially launched a landmark partnership with Yamayuki, the legendary tuna wholesaler from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. To mark the occasion, the “King of Tuna” himself, Yukitaka Yamaguchi, made his first-ever visit to the Middle East for an exclusive showcase at Gastronomy, Atlantis The Royal.
The invitation-only event brought together the region’s top chefs and hospitality leaders for a live demonstration of Yamaguchi-san’s world-class craftsmanship. Known globally for his technical mastery, Yamaguchi-san’s firm is the primary source for the world’s most elite sushi masters, specializing in wild Bluefin tuna.
This collaboration is a first for the UAE, positioning CHI as the direct link between Tokyo’s famous fish market and the Middle East’s growing dining scene. Central to the partnership is the mekiki philosophy, a disciplined method of individually assessing every fish for fat content, texture and balance to ensure only the highest quality reaches the kitchen.
While the launch at Atlantis The Royal was a high-profile introduction, the partnership is designed for long-term impact across the region. The selection will be available through CHI’s extensive B2B network, while discerning consumers can find Yamayuki’s tuna at The Fishmonger, the dedicated seafood destination located within Prime Gourmet flagship stores.
By securing exclusive access to these seasonal, top-grade cuts, the partnership establishes a new benchmark for seafood in the GCC, moving beyond standard imports to offer something truly specialized.
