A pioneer in developing emulsifiers, fiber, egg and tea-based ingredients, Yokkaichi-based food manufacturer Taiyo Kagaku moved its North American sales operations to Minnesota in 1999, after five years in California, to be at the heart of the country’s massive food, beverage and dietary supplement industry.
“The food industry is heavily based in the Midwest, particularly Chicago and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Just within a few miles of our office, you will find some of the world’s largest food companies,” Taiyo International Vice President Scott Smith said.
“We relocated here for a number of reasons, including a well-educated workforce, a dedication to health and wellness, a lower cost of doing business compared to the East and West coast alternatives and the direct flight to Japan was certainly helpful. We also have a very close relationship with the University of Minnesota, which has a strong food science division,” Smith added.
Taiyo’s emphasis on the development of innovative ingredients, derived from natural sources to strengthen the body’s ability to protect and manage one’s health, has spurred a growing interest from food and beverage companies, dietary supplement makers, as well as pharmaceutical firms throughout the world.
With over half of Taiyo’s international business generated in the Americas, the company is intent on expanding brand awareness and leveraging its position in the Midwest.
“Unlike our well-established presence in Japan, when we first moved to the U.S., few in the industry were familiar with the Taiyo name. Due to our dedication to the local community and the national food and beverage industry, Taiyo has become a well-known source for food ingredients that can be trusted for safety and efficacy,” Smith said.
“The United States is at the forefront of the wellness and dietary supplement category. At the same time, we are seeing a growing interest in this category from Japan and other industrialized nations due to a rapidly aging population that continues to place burdens on traditional health care systems.
Our location here in the Midwest places us in a unique position not only to service the U.S. markets, but also allows us to strengthen innovation and customer support in Japan and other international markets,” Smith said.
- Originally prepared by Global Media for The Japan Times Special Report on the U.S. Midwest 2014 (Credit: Philippe Le Saux, Angelo Romualdez, Elizabeth Arcega and Brian Banta)
