TOKYO, June 16, 2015 - Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (“Ajinomoto Co.”) has been participating as one of the sponsors of the Japan Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015, the first food-themed world’s fair that started May 1, 2015. Ajinomoto Co. will hold Italy’s first international symposium on umami and an exhibition/sampling event to introduce the Ajinomoto Group’s global initiatives at Salone del Giappone, the second hub of the Japan Pavilion.

Under the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” 148 countries and international organizations are participating in Expo Milano 2015. Under the theme “Harmonious Diversity,” the Japan Pavilion conveys the message that Japan’s various efforts in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as well as food, and its various knowledge and skills that are found throughout “Japanese food” and “Japanese food culture” will contribute to the solution to issues common to all humankind and cultivate approaches toward a diverse and sustainable society of coexistence in the future.

As a company founded on food and amino acids, the Ajinomoto Group has declared that it will contribute to the resolution of the three global social issues of global sustainability, food resources and healthy living through its businesses. The Group continues to conduct initiatives that generate economic value by creating value together with society and local communities.

As part of the above initiative, Ajinomoto Co. will hold Italy’s first international symposium on umami and a combined exhibition, video and sampling event to introduce the Ajinomoto Group’s global operations and the internationally growing world of umami. The events will be held under the name “Piazza Ajinomoto” at Salone del Giappone over the three days from July 10 to 12, 2015. At the symposium, renowned chefs and umami experts active worldwide will introduce the potential of umami on the basis of their own experiences, the changes in cooking from learning about umami and the importance of conveying that knowledge to the next generation. In the sampling corner, the people of Italy, the home of pasta, will be able to try a “pasta” menu assembled under the concept of “simple, delicious and healthy” that includes gyoza (dumplings), yakisoba, ramen and Japanese-style pasta.

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa Chef/Owner, Nobu Milan	Yoshihiro Murata Third-Generation Owner & Chef, Kikunoi	Luca Fantin Executive Chef, Bvlgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin	Laura Santtini Food journalist and restaurant owner	Gabriella Morini Assistant Professor, University of Gastronomic Sciences

Under its slogan “Eat Well, Live Well.,” the Ajinomoto Group will continue to work together with people in regions around the world to build a healthy, sustainable future by disseminating information on umami and deliciousness.

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 net sales of JPY 1,006.6 billion (USD 9.17 billion) in fiscal 2014. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.

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