is a Japanese food manufacturer. Its main products and services include soy sauce, food seasoning and flavoring, mirin, , and sake, juice and other beverages, pharmaceuticals, and restaurant management services. As of 2002, the company was the world's largest producer of soy sauce. As of 2024, the company's motto is "To promote the international exchange of food culture."

As of 2002, Kikkoman has production facilities in Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Taiwan; Kikkoman is the most popular brand of soy sauce in Japan and the United States. A plant in Sappemeer, Netherlands, began operations in 1997 and now produces over 400 million litres of soy sauce per year.

History

West Japanese-style soy sauce, called , has been a well-known condiment for over 300 years. Kikkoman is the largest manufacturing company in the world, and "the one most responsible for introducing to the West".

The company was created in 1917 in Noda through the merger of eight family-owned companies, Kikkoman was known as the "Noda Shoyu Corporation" until 1940, when it adopted a single brand name.

Operations

As of 2002, the firm had five main divisions: soy sauce, soy sauce-related products, wine and liquor, Del Monte products, and biotechnology. As of 2002, the company owned and operated several secondary service organizations, including the Colza restaurant chain, the Nakanakaya pub chain, and a Tokyo city wine garden. Kikkoman's soy sauce bottle was designed by Kenji Ekuan in 1961.

Kikkoman produces soy milk using selected soybeans and methods aimed at ensuring product freshness. The company offers a range of soymilk products. Kikkoman Soy milk is a leading brand in Japan and began expanding internationally in 2018, providing products to the Asia and Oceania regions.

Kikkoman started producing tomato juice and ketchup in 1962. The plant in Gunma focuses on tomato seasonings, while the Nagano plant specializes in beverages. In August 2013, Kikkoman launched the "Lycopene Rich" tomato ketchup, made with ripe tomatoes. This product line includes tomato sauce, puree, pizza sauce, and tomato beverages. The Nippon Del Monte Agri Company, established in 2013, focuses on the production and sales of fresh tomatoes and vegetable seedlings. The company has increased harvest yields by incorporating advanced technology from the Netherlands and optimizing farming methods for Japan.

See also

  • Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum
  • Kuishinbo! Bansai

References

  • The World of Kikkoman