Founded in 1883 and headquartered in Osaka, Wadaman Co., Ltd. is a long-established Japanese company specializing in the sourcing, processing, and wholesale of sesame seeds. Originally established as a dried food wholesaler, the company has a history of about 80 years as a sesame seeds manufacturing specialist. With more than a century of experience in ingredient handling and quality control, Wadaman supplies a wide range of food manufacturers, confectionery producers, and food service companies across Japan.

Nizona Corporation is a Japanese company specializing in the development and manufacturing of health and nutrition-related products, including functional foods, nutraceuticals, and wellness supplements. The company works with licensed Japanese subcontract manufacturers and exports its products to over 20 countries worldwide, combining Japanese quality standards with global reach.

Ezaki Glico, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has spent the past 100 years developing a wide range of food, beverage, and confectionery products. Guided by its purpose, “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” the company is now placing particular emphasis on nutrition and health, with brands such as Almond Koka (a plant-based almond milk), SUNAO (confectionery and food brand with appropriately controlled sugar content), POWER PRODUCTION (sports nutrition products) and etc.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Tokyo, US FOODS & CO., LTD. specializes in the import and distribution of green coffee beans, specialty coffee products, and roasting-related materials. The company plays an important role in connecting international coffee producers with roasters and retailers across Japan. Its long-standing expertise and global sourcing network position US FOODS as a key player in supporting Japan’s growing demand for high-quality and diverse coffee offerings.

ALLIED COFFEE ROASTERS CO., LTD. is a long-established Japanese coffee manufacturer that handles the roasting, processing, and sales of regular coffee beans for commercial, food service, and consumer markets. With multiple production facilities across Japan, including a roasting plant in Kobe, the company supplies a wide range of coffee products to retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers nationwide. Their operations support stable production, quality control, and reliable distribution within Japan’s coffee supply chain.

S. Ishimitsu & Co., Ltd., founded in 1906 and headquartered in Kobe’s Nada district, engages in the global trade and development of food ingredients and beverages. The company supports food business operations via the supply of commercial-use food ingredients developed domestically and overseas. Known for its expertise in coffee, tea, and diverse food products, S. Ishimitsu combines quality, innovation, and sustainability to meet global market needs.

-Introducing Next-Generation Plant-Based-Butter that brings innovation to the Japanese Market-

As a result of the Next Kitchen 2024 program, Nichifutsu Shoji Co., Ltd., a participating partner company, successfully introduced the 100% plant-based-butter to the Japanese market through a collaboration with the Dutch foodtech company “Be Better My Friend”.

Are you a foodtech startup looking to collaborate with leading Japanese corporates?

Next Kitchen is a cross-border open innovation initiative that connects global foodtech startups with leading Japanese food companies to co-create the future of food. We’ve extended the deadline one last time to ensure everyone has the opportunity to apply!

FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES Ltd. has grown mainly from the kaiten sushi (conveyor-belt) chain, "Sushiro," which was founded in Osaka in 1984. Today, under the corporate philosophy of "Discovering new tastiness, Sharing moments of Joy" the company operate over 1,198 restaurants under the brands Sushiro, Kyotaru, Sushi Misaki, and Sugidama across ten countries and regions, including Japan. The core of F&LC’s sustainability efforts lies in the desire to enrich the lives of customers by providing delicious “FOOD” together with “People (COMPANIES)”, such as business partners, employees, and local communities.

The company continues to advance initiatives in sustainable sourcing across its group businesses.

Pasco Shikishima Corporation is a company with deep experience in bread and food production processes and food supply-chain logistics. Its business operations encompass a wide range of products and services, with demonstrated capabilities in extended-shelf-life frozen food manufacturing and international distribution.

Founded in 1909 and based in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Awajimengyo Co., Ltd. has built a reputation for manufacturing fresh pasta under the “Nama Pasta” brand, leveraging its long-standing expertise in noodle production, careful ingredient selection, and dedication to product quality and safety.

Based in the coastal city of Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, Ako Aranami Salt Co., Ltd. is a long-established salt manufacturer known for producing high-quality sea salt and salt-based food products. Drawing on Japan’s rich maritime resources and traditional salt-making techniques, the company aims to deliver safe, flavorful, and sustainable products for both consumers and the food industry.

M’sNET YAMAKITA is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in industrial food-processing machinery, known for equipment such as shavers for dried bonito flakes, frozen mince cutters, and other food-processing solutions. With a heritage dating back over 90 years, the company has adapted to evolving needs by developing new machines for cheese, pet food, and other niche applications, reflecting its flexible engineering mindset. Among its patented technologies, the company boasts a unique capability to shave the world’s hardest food-dried bonito- into ultra-thin slices as fine as 0.01mm, a precision unmatched by any other.

Are you a foodtech startup looking to collaborate with leading Japanese corporates?

Next Kitchen is a cross-border open innovation initiative that connects global foodtech startups with leading Japanese food companies to co-create the future of food.

FUJICCO is a leading Japanese food manufacturer headquartered in Kobe’s Port Island area, celebrated for its wide range of nutritious and high-quality products. Since its founding, FUJICCO has been dedicated to promoting healthy eating through foods made from natural ingredients such as soybeans, seaweed, and fermented products. Its extensive lineup includes simmered dishes, packaged side dishes, yogurts, and desserts that are enjoyed by households across Japan.

Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Kobe, Tominaga Boeki Kaisha, Ltd. is a comprehensive food trading and manufacturing company that connects producers, manufacturers, and retailers across Japan’s food industry. With expertise in both food product development and distribution, the company provides high-quality ingredients, seasonings, and processed foods to a wide range of clients, from foodservice businesses to major retail chains.

Based in Osaka and active across the Kansai region, Osaka Gas is leveraging its energy infrastructure and technology platforms to address food-industry challenges such as reducing waste, while also exploring future possibilities in smarter logistics and automation. The company aims to help create a more sustainable and resilient food ecosystem for the future.

Sumitomo Corporation, as a global trading and investment powerhouse with deep roots in Japan, is now accelerating its footprint in the foodtech and agri-innovation arena, leveraging its international network and extensive resources across the entire food value chain. With a long history of driving industrial development through innovation and partnership, the company is actively investing in technologies and business models that promote sustainability, efficiency, and improved food security.

Rokko Butter Co., Ltd., the company behind the well-known Q•B•B brand, is a leading food manufacturer based in Kobe, specializing in the processing of natural cheese. Since its founding, the company has built a reputation for high-quality, safe, and delicious products while continuously embracing innovation in food manufacturing.

Founded in 1751 in Kobe’s historic Nada district, KOBE SHU-SHIN-KAN BREWERIES, LTD. is a long-established sake producer and the creator of the renowned “Fukuju” brand. For almost 300 years, the company has refined the art of sake brewing through a balance of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. “Fukuju” sake has earned global recognition not only for its exceptional quality and smooth flavor profile but also for the brewery’s strong commitment to sustainability.