17/01/07 Nikken Foods Company, LTD. Tokyo Japan, one of the world’s largest “natural flavor” companies, has acquired the Nikken Foods division of Lilar Corporation. This acquisition has resulted in the incorporation of Nikken Foods USA, Inc.

“The establishment of Nikken Foods USA, Inc. lays the foundation for continued growth in North America,” explained Mr. Yosuke Mizuno, President of Nikken Foods Co., Ltd. Tokyo Japan, Director and Chairman of the Board of Nikken Foods USA, Inc.” In the future, we would like to research and develop new products in the USA for local production.”

Mizuno was the keynote speaker at the celebration luncheon held in St. Louis, Monday, January 15, 2007.

Mizuno said in his speech that a new business strategy will be necessary for future growth in the US and that this is the reason for the establishment of Nikken Foods USA, Inc. "Business operation in USA should be dictated by local circumstances. Currently we are selling our Natural Flavors in the USA market that are imported from Japan and China. However in the future, we would like to research and develop new products in the USA and produce locally if necessary,“ said Mizuno.

Miozuno added that he was also concerned that a lack of raw materials will progress throughout the world. "We will need to source for raw materials in USA and Latin America. Processing plant in those regions will be required too. In the American Continent, there is a population of 900 Million and huge resources. There are markets and resources here. I believe Nikken Foods USA’s corporate mission is to use and develop them,“ he added.

In addition to the incorporation of Nikken Foods USA, Inc., a new brand identity was introduced. “Our new green identity is a symbol of our global approach to reliability and consistency as the market leader in natural flavors,” commented Mr. George Armenta, President of Nikken Foods USA, Inc.

Nikken’s sales in the US market have so far accomplished 10 Million Dollars. Sales in the Japanese market have grown steadily to 150 Million Dollars. As for other foreign markets such as China, South East Asia, Oceania and Europe, Nikken subsidiaries have accomplished 50 Million Dollars in total sales.