Ajinomoto Group Policies
Message from the President & CEO

At the Ajinomoto Group, our mission is to contribute to the world’s food and wellness, and to better lives for the future. That’s why we pursue ASV (The Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value) initiatives—our unique approach to resolving social issues through our business and improving economic value by creating shared value with society and local communities.
Pursuing ASV requires collaboration with various stakeholders, and this collaboration is only possible if each of us at the Group works hard to earn the trust of society. Recognizing this, we have revised the principles that illustrate the beliefs and behaviors which the companies in the Group and each of us who work there should uphold, naming them the Ajinomoto Group Policies (AGP). The AGP represent our fundamental, globally shared views as well as the code of conduct that governs the Group’s business activities as they relate to compliance in each country and region in which we operate, international rules concerning “21st-century issues of human society,” and the pursuit of ASV.
The AGP apply to all of our activities and provide a written commitment to all of our stakeholders that we will uphold them. Our goal is to be a solution-providing group of companies for food and health issues that earns trust by upholding the AGP in everything we do.
Our Philosophy
Since its founding, the Ajinomoto Group has been consistently engaging in initiatives to resolve social issues through its business. By improving economic value through the creation of shared value with society and local communities, these initiatives have contributed to the Group’s growth. These kinds of initiatives have been named ASV (The Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value). We have positioned ASV at the core of the Group’s corporate philosophy “Our Philosophy” as we strive to realize our mission and vision adopted under this philosophy.
Corporate responsibility
Ajinomoto Group companies do not ask officers and employees to disregard AGP. Further, Ajinomoto Group companies ensure that no officer or employee is adversely affected for complying with AGP.
Top management of Ajinomoto Group companies recognize their own roles in complying with AGP and set an example of compliance. Top management also ensure compliance within their companies and establish effective internal systems incorporating opinions from both inside and outside their companies.
When there is a serious infringement of AGP, such as a violation of a law or regulation, top management is expected to make clear to stakeholders their stance on resolving the issue and to take the needed steps to determine the cause and prevent any recurrence.
Scope of application
The Ajinomoto Group Policies, or “AGP,” apply to all Ajinomoto Group companies and their officers and employees.
Commitment to the UN Global Compact
The Ajinomoto Group announced its participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in July 2009.
Basic Principle
1. Initiatives to Improve Nutrition
- 1.1 We aspire to focus on the nutritional needs of people of different regions, ages, lifestyles, and health conditions, and to provide products and information that improve the nutritional balance of daily meals.
- 1.2 We contribute to emotional and physical nourishment not only with products that provide the appropriate nutrients, but also through recommendations for delicious meals, diverse menus, smart cooking, and eating together.
- 1.3 We work to help consumers improve nutrition by offering a total package of information, products, and services based on a deep understanding of local conditions.
- 1.4 We provide opportunity for nutritious meals with products that are both affordable and in appropriate styles, and that meet consumer needs in each country.
Group Shared Policies
2. Provision of Safe, High-Quality Products and Services
- 2.1 We constantly aim to put the customer first and, through advanced technology and creativity, develop and provide safe, high-quality products and services.
- 2.2 We provide accurate and helpful information about our products and services in order to earn and maintain the trust of our customers, to meet their expectations, and to ensure their satisfaction.
- 2.3 We ensure that all of our marketing and advertising is done interactively with our customers and in a responsible manner, especially when directed at children.
Group Shared Policies
3. Contribution to the Global Environment and Sustainability
- 3.1 We work with communities and customers to coexist harmoniously with the earth and to bring about a sustainable "recycling-oriented society."
- 3.2 We encourage all individuals to use resources and energy more efficiently and pursue environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Group Shared Policies
4. Fair and Transparent Transactions
- 4.1 We are dedicated to fairness and transparency in all of our transactions and maintain fair business practices, recognizing our valuable business partners.
- 4.2 We take steps to ensure a thorough understanding of and compliance with antitrust and other laws and rules related to competition in each country where we do business. We do not engage in collusion with competitors to fix prices or sales/production volume to limit competition (cartels), or in bid-rigging. We do not employ unfair means to eliminate competitors from or block entry into the market.
- 4.3 When selecting subcontractors and suppliers, we make decisions by fairly comparing and evaluating terms such as price, quality and service. We do not engage in conduct that results in any disadvantage to our business partners by abusing our dominant position.
- 4.4 We involve our subcontractors and suppliers in our efforts to fulfill our social responsibilities, including environmental preservation and protection of human rights.
- 4.5 In dealing with our customers and business partners, we act with good judgment and do not engage in inappropriate conduct such as offering improper gifts, entertainment, or money.
- 4.6 We do not provide gifts, entertainment, money or other benefits as bribes to domestic or foreign public officials or persons equivalent to them, regardless of the means. We maintain sound and normal relations with governments and officials.
Group Shared Policies
5. Approach to Human Rights
- 5.1 We conduct business activities based on an understanding of internationally recognized human rights and respect for international rules of conduct concerning human rights.
- 5.2 We work together with a wide array of stakeholders to avoid any complicity in the violation of human rights.
- 5.3 We respect fundamental principles and rights at work as follows. We: (a) recognize the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining; (b) prohibit the use of forced labor in any form; (c) prohibit the use of child labor; and (d) do not tolerate discrimination in employment.
Group Shared Policies
6. Human Resources Training and Ensuring Safety
- 6.1 We do our best to provide meaningful employment opportunities that allow our employees to develop and exercise their skills and abilities in a manner that respects their diversity, character and individuality.
- 6.2 We take a global perspective on our work, emphasize teamwork, exercise creativity, and value a pioneering spirit, striving to contribute to the development of the Ajinomoto Group.
- 6.3 We support employees’ efforts to enjoy fulfilling lives and contribute to the prosperity of society through the continuous development of the Ajinomoto Group. To this end, we constantly strive to improve ourselves through new initiatives and programs.
- 6.4 We aim for a workplace climate that improves our job satisfaction and promotes high productivity.
- 6.5 We respect the laws and culture of each country and region where we do business. We prohibit discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, ethnic group, nationality, religion, belief, birthplace, gender, age, disability, LGBT identity, etc.
- 6.6 We build and maintain positive workplaces, based on open communication, that are free from discrimination and harassment, where people respect one another’s human dignity.
- 6.7 We respect each person and place occupational safety and health as one of the most important components of corporate activities.
Group Shared Policies
7. Working with Local Communities
- 7.1 We strive to make positive social contributions to create healthy communities where we do business and across broader society. We focus on economic, cultural and educational development of each community where we do business.
- 7.2 As members of local communities, we are encouraged as individuals to participate in social contribution activities.
- 7.3 We recognize that each and every one of us as a Group employee represents the Ajinomoto Group whenever we interact with the public, and as such, our actions are governed at all times by an awareness of social etiquette.
Group Shared Policies
8. Responsibilities to Stakeholders
- 8.1 We make every effort to employ sound management practices, to provide appropriate returns to shareholders, and to increase corporate value.
- 8.2 We disclose information in a timely and appropriate manner to our diverse stakeholders, and we respond fairly and faithfully to the expectations and trust placed in us.
- 8.3 We maintain and operate a framework of appropriate internal controls to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the financial information disclosed to stakeholders.
- 8.4 We do not engage in illegal activities such as insider trading, which includes trading in stocks or other investment vehicles using nonpublic information for publicly listed Ajinomoto Group companies and/or publicly listed business partners.
- 8.5 We comply with tax laws in each country in which we operate. We respond to changes in taxation systems and administration and minimize tax risks in order to maximize shareholder value.
Group Shared Policies
9. Protection and Management of Corporate Assets and Information
- 9.1 We strictly protect and manage confidential information and tangible and intangible company assets, including trade secrets and intellectual property.
- 9.2 We recognize the importance of protecting personal information and obtain, use and provide personal information only in appropriate ways so as to prevent information leaks.
- 9.3 We recognize that our brand and intellectual property rights are important corporate assets and use these in an appropriate and correct manner according to laws and the rules of the Ajinomoto Group.
- 9.4 We respect the legitimate intellectual property of third parties.
Group Shared Policy
10. Clear Separation of Business and Personal Affairs
- 10.1 We take steps to ensure that the interests of employees, including their families, and the interests of Ajinomoto Group companies do not conflict.
- 10.2 We use corporate assets or information only for business purposes and not for the pursuit of private interests.
- 10.3 We understand that business relationships established by employees belong to the company even after the retirement of the employees.
- 10.4 We clearly distinguish between corporate public posts and individual personal posts with regard to information on social media. We are conscious of our roles and responsibilities as members of the Ajinomoto Group, even when posting information as an individual, and do not commit acts that could damage the Ajinomoto Group, its reputation, or any of its other assets.
- 10.5 We engage in political activity only as individuals taking a personal stance, and only outside of working hours and outside company property.
11. Establishment and Implementation of Good Governance
- 11.1 We establish governance systems centered on appropriate delegation of authority and accountability and manage the Group in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner to continuously increase our corporate value.
- 11.2 We implement strategic risk management and organized crisis management to ensure preparedness for political, economic, and social concerns such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters.
- 11.3 We strictly avoid any involvement with organized antisocial forces, which pose a threat to civic order and safety. Moreover, we stand resolutely against organized antisocial forces and refuse any and all inappropriate demands.
- 11.4 We speak up if we become aware of fraud or violation of laws and regulations or the AGP in the workplace and in business. We consult with appropriate managers and use our whistle-blowing system to bring to light concerns and problems.
Group Shared Policies
PDF download (2nd edition July 1, 2021)

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