Kenichi Mizogami joined the Ajinomoto Group in 1992 and has worked in a variety of fields, including sales and marketing for the Japanese market, development and management of new overseas businesses, and human resources. In addition to product development, production, and sales and marketing, he also has extensive experience in human resources development, organizational culture development. Since 2021, he has been in charge of the seasoning business in China. Actively learning from customer needs and the Chinese market situation, and combining the resources of the Ajinomoto Group, such as unique technologies, lead the team to work to customer problem solutions.
Over the past century, Ajinomoto has transformed from a small Japanese seasoning company into a global food giant. Today, its products are sold in over 130 countries and regions, with a portfolio spanning more than 100 subsidiaries. Beyond traditional seasonings, Ajinomoto has expanded into pharmaceuticals, health foods, and sports nutrition. In 2023, the company achieved $9.86 billion (approximately ¥70.1 billion RMB) in revenue.
Global Expansion: Tracing Ajinomoto’s journey from Japan to international markets, this session explores its market entry strategies and localization practices in key regions such as Southeast Asia and North America.
Product Innovation & Localization: Ajinomoto has tailored its offerings to diverse culinary cultures, from Sajiku seasoning mix in Southeast Asia to health-focused product lines in North America. This discussion delves into how the company develops region-specific innovations to meet local consumer preferences.
Technology & Supply Chain Optimization: Leveraging amino acid technology, production automation, and supply chain enhancements, Ajinomoto continuously strengthens its global competitiveness.
Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Ajinomoto is actively expanding into health foods and pharmaceuticals, exploring opportunities and challenges in emerging global markets.
Globalization has transformed China-Japan food industry integration from product circulation into a deeper dialogue on branding, strategy, and innovation. While China's market evolves at a rapid pace, Japan’s refined operations offer distinct advantages. How can both leverage their strengths for mutual growth?
This session at FBIF unites leading Japanese and Chinese brands to explore:
· Brand Resilience: How to build long-term global competitiveness?
· Go-to-Market Strategy: Beyond exporting—how to sustain market growth?
· Cross-Cultural Innovation: How to create products that resonate globally?
· Global Expansion: How can both adapt to shifting consumer trends?
More than a discussion on globalization, this session provides insights to shape the future of food industry growth.