Ajinomoto Co., the creator of monosodium glutamate flavoring more than 100 years ago, plans acquisitions and is looking to expand in Poland as it seeks growth in frozen food and seasoning in Europe and the United States.
"We've been successful in growing frozen food that utilizes Japanese food culture; we'd like to do more," Chief Executive Officer Masatoshi Ito said in an interview in Paris. "In Europe, there's not much 'umami' culture" and there's potential for growth, he said. MSG triggers taste buds sensitive to the sensation of umami, which means savory in Japanese and is considered by some to be one of the five basic tastes.
Demand for ramen and other Japanese and Asian-inspired foods is booming, and Ajinomoto plans to use its Portland, Oregon, facility to double U.S. revenue to ¥20 billion, said Ito, who has been CEO for five years. After supplying machinery to a Polish contractor to make frozen gyoza (dumplings), Ajinomoto is also looking at expanding its own site there to supply all of Europe, he said.