Food is essential to survival; flavorful food, however, is essential to truly living.
Ajinomoto has been realizing its “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy throughout its business for over a century. Founded in 1909, the iconic Japanese brand delivers umami-rich goodness to millions of households the world over — and Europe has most definitely joined the flavor revolution.
The company’s European and African arm is flourishing in flavorful ways, so much so that this presence comprises three dynamic affiliate ventures. Moreover, the regional office is headquartered in France, a country largely considered to be the world’s gastronomic center.
Masami Kashiwakura, Executive Officer & Vice President, General Manager, Europe & Africa Division, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., explained the operation as follows.
“We’re part of the global Ajinomoto group stationed in France, with three affiliate companies: Ajinomoto Europe, a corporate hub and regional headquarters that manages the operational needs of the Europe and Africa Division; Ajinomoto Foods Europe, which manages and operates two major businesses — one a food solutions and ingredients business, the other a consumer goods business supplying Japanese frozen foods and other products, like gyoza (dumplings), yakitori and ramen — to B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) markets; and Ajinomoto Frozen Foods France, wholly owned by Ajinomoto Foods Europe, where we manufacture said Japanese frozen foods and other products, like traditional French macarons,” Kashiwakura said.
“We also have three factories in Nesle, Le Neubourg and Castelsarrasin.”
Kashiwakura is quick to credit the rising popularity of Japanese food products in France — and the desire for the umami taste sensation that Ajinomoto’s amino acids infuse into dishes — to the washoku boom worldwide. He describes the company’s position as “unique in the market,” owing to the competitive advantage they provide: They are experts at creating “deliciousness technologies” for food solutions and ingredients, as well as makers of ready-to-cook Japanese food products.
“We are always following French food culture to learn about the local preferences and requirements, so that we may also suggest new tastes to increase the joy of cooking and eating together, through our ‘deliciousness technologies’ solutions.”
“We will continue to fully leverage our technology and know-how to meet our consumers’ preferences and desires. On top of that, we plan to extend our contributions beyond the food industry to the green and health care sectors, moving forward.”
