Exhibiting at FOOD INGREDIENTS CHINA 2025

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. (上海味之素调味品有限公司) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group, a Japanese multinational renowned for pioneering umami seasoning and amino acid-based food technologies. Located in Shanghai, the company plays a pivotal role in Ajinomoto's China strategy, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance seasoning products tailored to local culinary preferences.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. specializes in umami-rich seasonings and flavor enhancers for both household and industrial applications. Its portfolio includes:

• Tiantianxian (天天鲜)

  • Core umami seasoning used in a wide range of Chinese dishes, enhancing flavor with balanced savory notes.

• Bonito Flavored Seasoning

  • A dry seasoning rich in Japanese-style dashi taste, ideal for soups, sauces, and noodles.

• Scallop Flavored Seasoning

  • Provides the characteristic taste of seafood, particularly scallops, for use in stir-fries and soup bases.

• M-SUPER P

  • Flavor enhancer designed for industrial food production, particularly processed meats and savory snacks.

• SUPER I+G

  • A nucleotide-based seasoning combining disodium inosinate and guanylate, delivering high umami intensity with synergistic effects when used with MSG.

• Meat-Enhancing Compound Seasoning

  • A formulation that intensifies meaty flavors in cooked and ready-to-eat products.

These products are manufactured with Ajinomoto’s advanced fermentation and extraction technologies, ensuring consistency, safety, and deep flavor.

Specialisation and Unique Value Proposition

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. stands out due to:

• Advanced fermentation-derived amino acid technologies backed by Ajinomoto Group’s global R&D capabilities.
• Tailored formulation of seasonings for Chinese culinary applications, ensuring cultural and taste alignment.
• Strong B2B and B2C presence with custom solutions for food processors, quick-service restaurants, and central kitchens.
• High-quality control and safety protocols embedded in Ajinomoto’s global production standards.

The company merges Japanese flavor science with local Chinese culinary insights to produce hybrid products meeting modern consumer and industrial needs.

Market Presence and Financial Footprint

Although individual financials for the Shanghai entity are not publicly disclosed, Ajinomoto Group reports provide broader insights:

• Ajinomoto Group Global Revenue (FY2023): ¥1.37 trillion (~USD 9.2 billion)
• Food Products Business Segment: ~63% of total revenue
• China represents one of the largest overseas markets for Ajinomoto Group, with several production and R&D sites.

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. supplies both retail and commercial clients across eastern China and beyond, and contributes to Ajinomoto’s broader market penetration in Asia.

Production and Supply Chain

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. operates as part of Ajinomoto's integrated supply chain, which includes:

• Raw material fermentation and extraction of amino acids and flavor compounds
• Compound seasoning blending and granulation for B2B applications
• Packaging lines for both bulk and retail SKUs
• Logistics partnerships across China for rapid delivery and distribution

The company follows Ajinomoto’s "ASV (Ajinomoto Shared Value)" standards, incorporating sustainability and efficiency into its manufacturing processes.

Certifications and Compliance

All production follows international quality and food safety management systems:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification
• HACCP compliance
• Products conform to China GB Food Safety Standards
• Routine third-party testing for heavy metals, microbial content, and additives

Ajinomoto’s China operations are also subject to group-wide audits for compliance with environmental and corporate governance standards.

Target Market

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. serves two primary segments:

• Retail/Consumer Market

  • Urban households looking for consistent, easy-to-use seasonings that elevate traditional dishes

• Food Industry Clients

  • Central kitchens, meat processors, instant food manufacturers, and restaurant chains using bulk compound seasonings

Its market strategy focuses on aligning Japanese flavor innovation with Chinese food trends.

Capabilities and Innovation

• Product development teams co-create formulations with food manufacturers
• Ajinomoto’s R&D facilities in China and Japan support product adaptation and innovation
• Customization services for clients with specific taste, sodium-reduction, or shelf-stability requirements
• Ability to deliver large-scale batch manufacturing with tight quality control and supply chain integration

Industry Engagement

Shanghai Ajinomoto actively participates in:

• China Food Industry Association
• Food Ingredients China (FIC)
• Catering and Hotel Supplies Trade Fairs

It also engages in academic and industrial collaboration projects focusing on umami science, sodium reduction, and clean-label formulations.

Customer Feedback

Feedback from foodservice and manufacturing partners in China highlights:

“Ajinomoto’s compound seasonings help us achieve flavor consistency across multiple outlets while reducing cost and sodium content.”
— Quality Manager, National Restaurant Chain

“Their technical team was instrumental in customizing a meat seasoning blend that aligned with our sensory and regulatory goals.”
— Product Developer, Food Processor, Jiangsu

Major Achievements

• Successfully localized the Tiantianxian brand to compete in China’s premium seasoning market
• Contributed to Ajinomoto Group’s global sodium-reduction initiatives by reformulating core products in China
• Became a preferred B2B supplier for several large-scale food manufacturers in eastern China
• Supported Ajinomoto’s Asia Food Innovation Strategy with insights from Chinese consumer preferences

Shanghai Ajinomoto Seasoning Co., Ltd. continues to deliver high-quality, science-based flavor solutions, bridging Japanese expertise with Chinese culinary needs and contributing to healthier, tastier food across markets.