�@ Press Release Ajinomoto Co., Inc 15-1, Kyobashi 1-chome  Chuo-ku, Tokyo President: Kunio Egashira Ajinomoto to establish seasonings sales company in South Korea January 28, 2003 --- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto) today announced plans to establish a new sales company in South Korea, Ajinomoto Korea, Inc., as a further step in the development of Ajinomoto�fs global Umami seasonings and other Japanese seasonings businesses. Ajinomoto Korea will be formed in partnership with VIXXOL Corporation, an agency that currently handles Ajinomoto seasonings in South Korea, and is due to commence business on April 1, 2003. It will be capitalized at Won1.0 billion (approximately ¥100 million), with Ajinomoto owning 70% of the company and VIXXOL the remaining 30%. The South Korean economy has recovered rapidly since the currency crisis in 1997, and grew by an estimated 6% in 2002. Further, the great success of the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ (hosted jointly by Japan and Korea last year) has contributed to an increased level of understanding between the two countries, and boosted economic and cultural exchange. In terms of eating habits there is a surprising degree of overlap in menu items in the two countries, particularly in the restaurant trade. This is leading to a rapid increase in demand for Japan-sourced seasonings such as Umami, Hon-Dashi, and savory seasonings. Ajinomoto Korea will have five full time staff in 2003, whose main tasks will be to strengthen the company�fs sales base, establish a presence in the commercial seasonings market with products such as AJI-NO-MOTO, nucleotides, and Hon-Dashi, and provide technical support for savory seasonings, enzymes and such like used in the food processing industry. Through these activities in the expanding Korean food products market, the company hopes to rapidly achieve its initial target of ¥2 billion in net revenues.  By offering customers safe, enjoyable, added-value products, Ajinomoto expects the new company to build sales while also playing a role in fostering Japanese food culture in Korea. Outline of new company Company name Ajinomoto Korea, Inc. Headquarters Samheung Bldg. 748-16, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Business Importation and sale within South Korea of Ajinomoto Group seasonings Paid-in capital Won1.0 billion (approximately ¥100 million) Shareholding Ajinomoto Co., Ltd. 70% VIXXOL Corporation 30% Establishment March 2003 (planned) Outline of VIXXOL Corporation Company name VIXXOL Corporation Headquarters 220-10 Anyang 7-dong, Manan-gu, Anyang-shi, Kyonggi-do, Republic of Korea Business Importation and sale of pharmaceuticals-use, food-use, and feed-use amino acids, vitamins, and seasonings; manufacture and sale of adhesives and other products. Representative Kyung han Kim, President Paid-in capital Won1.5 billion Annual sales Won50.0 billion (approximate figure, FY 2001) Outline of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Company name Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Headquarters 15-1, Kyobashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8315 Business Manufacture and sale of food products and amino acids. Representative Kunio Egashira, President Paid-in capital ¥79,863 million Establishment December 1925 ***Ends*** For further information please contact: Ajinomoto Public Relations Department; Tel: +81-3- 5250-8180

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