TOKYO, December 4, 2017 – Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (“Ajinomoto Co.”), in cooperation with its consolidated subsidiaries Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc., Knorr Foods Co., Ltd. and Ajinomoto AGF, Inc., will start work this month on the expansion of facilities at Ajinomoto Co.’s Kawasaki Plant, including the construction of a new R&D building with an investment of approximately JPY 6 billion, to consolidate their R&D bases for the Japan Food Products business there. By accelerating the technological integration of the four companies, Ajinomoto Co. intends to promote further creation of high-value-added products and to reinforce the structure of the Japan Food Products business, toward the enhancement of the global competitiveness of the food product research and development of the entire Ajinomoto Group.
In Japan, consumer needs are expected to become more diverse as a result of changes in the social structure, including the aging population and the increase in single-person households; rising awareness of health, the environment and food safety and security; and changing lifestyles. In this changing environment, expectations have been increasing for the food industry to provide restaurant and institutional use product and service solutions in addition to products for household use. These market changes and expectations are undergoing similar trends in other regions around the world as well.
Since commercializing umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO ®, Ajinomoto Co. has made ongoing investments in research and development of technologies to achieve delicious taste and health through food. In recent years, Ajinomoto Co. has also been promoting the development of “deliciousness technologies,” including enzyme-based texture enhancers and fermentation-derived flavor materials, in addition to tastes such as umami and kokumi. The consolidation of bases will further accelerate the integration of these technologies of Ajinomoto Co. with core Group company technologies such as recipe development and raw material processing to develop the household-use products of the four Group companies and to provide solutions and services that resolve issues by addressing the various needs of the restaurant and home meal replacement market. A rollout will take place initially in Japan and globally in the future, with the aim of generating approximately JPY 15 billion in business profit over the 10 years from fiscal 2021. Together with the Client Innovation Center announced in its press release dated November 30, 2017 entitled “Ajinomoto Co., Inc. to Establish a New Base for Promoting Open and Linked Innovation” (in Japanese only), Ajinomoto Co. will also work to create value for its customers through technological integration and exchange inside and outside the Ajinomoto Group in the Kawasaki area.
The Ajinomoto Group is restructuring the value chain of its Japan Food Products business as one of the key strategies in its FY2017-2019 Medium-Term Management Plan. It has started restructuring its seasonings and processed foods production system, including Group companies in Japan, in accordance with the details announced in its press releases entitled “Ajinomoto Group to Restructure Seasonings and Processed Foods Production System in Japan,” dated September 29, 2017, and “Ajinomoto Group to Build a New Plant for Manufacturing and Packaging Seasonings and Other Products,” dated October 20, 2017. The consolidated R&D base will handle the functions of development and industrialization of seasonings, frozen foods, processed foods and beverages, and support the implementation of information and communications technology (ICT), automation and other cutting-edge production technologies, leading to the growth of the Ajinomoto Group’s Food Products businesses globally.
To realize its corporate message, “Eat Well, Live Well.” the Ajinomoto Group will restructure its value chain to steadily deliver products with higher added value that consumers can enjoy with peace of mind, as it continues to contribute to their health and well-being.
Overview of the New Plant
Reference
Press release dated September 29, 2017
“Ajinomoto Group to Restructure Seasonings and Processed Foods Production System in Japan”
Press release dated October 20, 2017
“Ajinomoto Group to Build a New Plant for Manufacturing and Packaging Seasonings and Other Products”
Press release dated November 30, 2017
“Ajinomoto Co., Inc. to Establish a New Base for Promoting Open and Linked Innovation” (in Japanese only)
About Ajinomoto Co.
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 30 countries and regions, Ajinomoto Co. had net sales of JPY 1,091.1 billion (USD 10.07 billion) in fiscal 2016. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.
For further information, please contact:
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Public Communications Department;
pr_info@ajinomoto.com
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