Akagi Foods Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

Akagi Foods Co., Ltd. is a long-established food manufacturer headquartered in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, which focuses on processing and selling plum products. In particular, the production of Karikari Ume has received high praise in the domestic market, and is exported not only to Japan but also to overseas markets.

Company information

• Established: 1950
• Head office location: Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
• Representative Director: Tsuneo Matsunaga
• Business details: Manufacture and sale of plum products, pickle production, plum meat extract processing
• Number of employees: Approximately 150 people
• Annual sales: Approximately 5 billion yen (estimated)
• Exporting countries: America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Southeast Asia

Main product lineup

1. Crispy plum series

• Ama Sour Crispy Plum: A sweet and sour refreshing taste.
• Salty Crispy Plum: Traditional salty flavor.
• Shredded crispy plums: Finely chopped, perfect for rice balls and as an ingredient in dishes.

2. Umeboshi series

• Kanroume: Sweet and boiled pickled plums, perfect for rice or tea.
• Traditional Umeboshi: Umeboshi made using traditional Japanese methods.

3. Plum related products

• Drink/Jam: Plum jam, a drink made with plum juice.
• Plum Meat Extract: Plum extract is extracted and provided as a health food.
• Various pickles: A variety of pickles based on plums.

Manufacturing/Quality Control

• HACCP certified: Compliant with international standards for food hygiene management.
• ISO 22000 certification: Introduced food safety management system.
• Partnership with domestic contract farmers: We have direct contracts with plum farmers in Gunma Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, etc. to ensure the highest quality plums.
• Unique fermentation and aging technology: Combining traditional techniques and the latest food processing technology to improve the flavor and quality of our products.

Development in domestic and overseas markets

• Domestic market:

  • Products are distributed at supermarkets and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, Aeon) throughout Japan.
  • We also provide commercial supplies to food manufacturers.

• Overseas Market:

  • We are expanding exports mainly to Asian markets such as America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.
  • Due to the Japanese food boom, demand for crispy plums has increased in particular.
  • Expand sales network by collaborating with local partners.

Awards/media coverage

• 2019: Received the Japan Food Awards "Excellence Award" (Crispy Ume Series)
• 2021: Monde Selection Gold Award Winner (Honey Plum)
• 2023: Food Expo Tokyo "Best Award"
• Appeared on TV Tokyo's "Dawn of Gaia" (Japanese traditional food special feature)

Corporate Vision/Future Development

• Cultivate new markets: Promote increased awareness of Japanese plums for the North American and European markets.
• Health food development: Started developing supplements that take advantage of plum's healthy functions (antioxidant and intestinal regulation effects).
• Environmental initiatives:
  • Zero waste goal: Promote recycling of plum seeds and skins.
  • Achieving carbon neutrality: A plan to improve factory energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

summary

Akagi Foods Co., Ltd. prides itself on its high technological capabilities and quality control in the production and sale of plum products, a traditional Japanese food, and continues to expand its share in the domestic and international markets. In particular, the ``Karikari Ume'' series'' is supported by a wide range of consumers for its uniqueness and taste, and we will continue to work on further business expansion and development of new products.