Aohata to spread farm-to-table technological expertise in the region
- Shining the spotlight on its technological expertise, Aohata even propagates new varieties of strawberries in China to fit specific purposes such as juicing and mixing with dairy
Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports
To open an Aohata product is to unlock superior farming techniques and advanced food manufacturing processes for the freshest raw materials. For more than 70 years, Aohata has been showcasing nature’s bounty through its fine selection of jams, spreads and juices – products that have earned their rightful spots in many household cupboards as delicious and nutritious accompaniments to any meal.
Aohata is a renowned jam and preserves pioneer in Japan, founded at the centre of citrus production in the Seto Inland Sea. It was this same jam factory that introduced the first low-sugar jam in 1970 – way ahead of today’s rising health consciousness movement among consumers. Flagship brand Marugoto Kajitsu, composed of whole fruits without sugar, is available in most Asian markets.
Aohata wants to contribute to the well-being of people. We want to provide a variety of ways to make them healthier by consuming more fruits and healthy food
“We are always mindful of our social responsibilities. This is the reason why we control every step of the supply chain. We guarantee quality from farm to table,” says president Norio Yamamoto.
The company has always kept its hand on the pulse of the market to anticipate customers’ needs. It is once again banking on its ingenuity as it aims to target more customers outside Japan, particularly China, with specific market-tailored fruits solutions.
Shining the spotlight on its technological expertise, Aohata even propagates new varieties of strawberries in China to fit specific purposes such as juicing and mixing with dairy. The company is directly working with Chinese farmers to further improve their farming practices.
“Aohata wants to contribute to the well-being of people. We want to provide a variety of ways to make them healthier by consuming more fruits and healthy food,” Yamamoto says.
Banking on the experience and the network of sister company Kewpie in China, Aohata seeks to work on a business-to-business basis with companies such as fast-food restaurants, coffee chains and bakeries. The company also wants to co-develop new products that suit local tastes with partners sharing Aohata’s philosophy of integrity and trustworthiness.