TOKYO, November 27, 2014 - Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Group, Inc. (“AANG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (“Ajinomoto Co.”), will increase its annual production capacity of the feed grade amino acid Tryptophan manufactured and sold in France from 4,500 tons to 7,500 tons. AANG will secure and stabilize profits by introducing new technology to enhance its competitiveness while strengthening the flexibility of its production system, which can switch product lines in response to changes in market prices of feed-use amino acids.

As a result of the Ajinomoto Group’s proactive efforts to create demand, the market for feed-use Tryptophan has expanded rapidly, with annual growth rate of approximately 40% over the past five years (2014 AANG survey), and steady growth is expected in the future. This introduction of new production technology further evolves Ajinomoto’s lower resource fermentation technology. Advancing this technology, which the Ajinomoto Group has been promoting for some time, allows production with a lower volume of raw materials and fuel to enable greater cost competitiveness and increased production with a low environmental burden. In addition, the implementation of shared facilities for other product lines (Lysine, Threonine and Valine) will strengthen the production system, which can switch among product lines as necessary. Establishing a production system that simultaneously enhances competitiveness with the introduction of new technology and strengthens the flexibility of the production system will enable AANG to efficiently handle future production increases with low investment, thus maximizing profit in the feed-use Tryptophan market, where high growth is expected.

In the future, AANG will introduce the latest production technologies, centered on lower resource fermentation technology, and strengthen the flexibility of its production system utilizing existing facilities at its feed grade amino acid production bases outside France. By doing so, the company aims to secure stable profits by expanding specialty businesses and strengthening the competitiveness of commodity businesses, which is the medium-term strategy of the feed-use amino acids business.

For half a century, the Ajinomoto Group has been developing cutting-edge amino acid fermentation technologies and conducting regionally based sales activities as it works to create demand for its feed-use amino acids. The Ajinomoto Group will continue to provide its customers with valuable products and services as a leading feed-use amino acids company.

Ajinomoto Co. is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. For many decades Ajinomoto Co. has contributed to food culture and human health through wide-ranging application of amino acid technologies. Today, the company is becoming increasingly involved with solutions for improved food resources, human health and global sustainability. Founded in 1909 and now operating in 26 countries and regions, Ajinomoto Co. had consolidated net sales of JPY 991.3 billion (USD 11.0 billion) in fiscal 2013. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.

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