Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

Company Overview

Ajinomoto Co. Inc. is a Japanese multinational food and biotechnology corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is the world's largest producer of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer. Ajinomoto also produces various other food products, including seasonings, amino acids, and processed foods.

The company was founded in 1909 by Kikunae Ikeda, a Japanese chemist who discovered MSG in 1908. Ikeda named MSG "aji-no-moto," which means "essence of taste" in Japanese. Ajinomoto began selling MSG in 1909, and the product quickly became popular in Japan and other Asian countries.

Ajinomoto sells MSG under the name Aji-No-Moto in over 100 countries around the globe. MSG is commonly used to improve the flavor of food. It is found naturally in many foods, such as meat, fish, and vegetables. MSG is also produced commercially and added to food products such as processed foods, soups, and sauces.

Financial Highlights (FY 2023)

Company's Business Segments

• Seasonings and Food : Sauce and seasonings (Umami seasoning ajinomoto, Hondashi, Cook do, Ajinomoto KK consomme, Pure select mayonnaise, Ros Dee (flavour seasoning), Masako (flavour seasoning), Ajingon (flavour seasoning), Sazon (flavour seasoning), Sajiku (menu-specific seasoning), Crispyfry (menu-specific seasoning), etc.), Quick nourishment (Knorr cup soup, YumYum (instant noodles), Birdy (coffee beverage), Birdy 3in1 (powdered drink), Blendy brand products (Cafe latory, Stick coffee, etc.), Maxim brand products, Chotto zeitakuna kohiten), Solutions and ingredients (Umami seasoning, Drinks supplied to restaurants, Bakery products and sweeteners.
• Frozen Foods : Chinese dumplings, Noodles, Desserts, Shumai, Processed chicken and others
• Healthcare and Others : Amino acids for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, bio-Pharma Services, Functional materials and others