Ajinomoto Co., Inc. to Build a Plant for Powdered Beverages in Myanmar Total Investment Approx. JPY 2.5 Billion; Start of Construction in March 2017 Full-Scale Entry into the Myanmar Market

TOKYO, March 17, 2017 – Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (“Ajinomoto Co.”) will build a plant for “Birdy®” 3 in 1 powdered beverages in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, Yangon Region at Myanmar Ajinomoto Foods CO., LTD. (“MAF”), which was established in February 2016. Total investment will be approximately USD 22 million (approximately JPY 2.5 billion*), with construction scheduled to start in March 2017. This initiative, together with the start of packaging and sales of umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO® scheduled to start in September 2017, will expand Ajinomoto Co.’s product lineup for a full-scale entry into the Myanmar market with its aim of becoming “No. 1 in Deliciousness” in each country worldwide.

Myanmar has a population of approximately 51 million and a GDP growth rate of approximately 6.3% (International Monetary Fund estimate for 2016), with high economic growth forecast to continue. The market for powdered beverages in Myanmar is promising. At approximately 247,000 tons in 2016 (a year-on-year increase of 12%; Ajinomoto Co. estimate), it is about twice the size of the market in Thailand, and competition has intensified in recent years.

Under these conditions, to achieve early establishment of a production and sales structure for MAF and to expand its product lineup, Ajinomoto Co. decided to raise MAF’s capital to USD 45 million (approximately JPY 5.1 billion*) and to build a plant for powdered beverages in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone. By doing so, Ajinomoto Co. will provide products that meet the needs of consumers in Myanmar and promote locally rooted marketing and sales activities. Completion of MAF’s new plant is scheduled for February 2018, with sales of powdered beverages produced at the new plant planned from April 2018. Ajinomoto Co. will also consider diversifying into areas such as seasonings and processed foods with the aim of further business expansion.

In its FY2017-2019 Medium-Term Management Plan, Ajinomoto Co. has made it one of its key strategies to accelerate regional expansion for food business growth with a stronger regional portfolio. Full-scale entry into the Myanmar market is an important measure for accelerating business development in ASEAN. Ajinomoto Co. will contribute to the health and well-being of local consumers through the development of product categories adapted to local eating habits and food culture.

Thailand Vietnam

“Birdy®” 3 in 1 sold in Thailand and Vietnam®」3 in 1 Image of powdered beverages plant

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 28 countries and regions, Ajinomoto Co. had net sales of JPY 1,185.9 billion (USD 9.87 billion) in fiscal 2015. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Public Communications Department; pr_info@ajinomoto.com