A notable example of this approach is its collaboration with California Cultured (CC), a US-based organization specializing in cacao cell culture technology. One of the goals of this partnership is to address concerns about cocoa supply and rising raw material prices. From a long-term sustainability perspective, the company emphasizes that such innovative technologies are essential for the future of its chocolate product line. Driven by this knowledge, Meiji Holdings has made two investments in CC over the years and is set to launch its chocolate products using CC’s ingredients by 2026.
With two major business segments, Meiji Holdings achieves an impressive 66:34 operating profit ratio between food and pharmaceuticals, highlighting the critical role of its food business in driving success. This diverse food segment encompasses various products, including dairy products, confectioneries, and nutritional products, which leverage biotechnology to enhance quality and health benefits. Through this broad product lineup, the company connects individual wellness with global happiness, providing “Meiji unique value for wellness” by continuously engaging in the cycles of cure, care, and share.
Global Health Solutions through Cutting-Edge Biotechnology
“Our expertise with microorganism-based technologies, including fermented food like yogurt and cheese, reflects our strong affinity with synthetic biology,” says Dr. Masashi Nagata, General Manager of Wellness Science Labs.
The company is also actively collaborating with various organizations to explore new business opportunities in bio-manufacturing and synthetic biology.
While customers primarily choose the company’s products for their deliciousness, the recent shift towards health and sustainability is prompting Meiji Holdings to highlight its offerings’ nutritional value and environmental aspects. The company addresses the nutritional needs from infancy to old age through a wide range of products, including infant formula and nutritional liquid supplements for elderlies. It is also selling oat milk products to align with the growing demand for sustainable and healthy plant-based food options.
Meiji Holdings conducts small-scale clinical trials to ensure the efficacy and safety of these products and substantiate their impact. It operates within Japan’s food health claim system to thoroughly assess the products that have not received approval and gather evidence to support their benefits. The firm enlightens customers about the health benefits of these products by employing ethical marketing practices while adhering to international guidelines and stringent Japanese regulations.
Our expertise with microorganism-based technologies, including fermented food like yogurt and cheese, reflects our strong affinity with synthetic biology.
Alongside its strong market share in yogurt, gummy candy, and sports protein categories, Meiji Holdings has pioneered various innovative products in these areas. Notably, the company launched Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt over 50 years ago, initially marketed for indulgent qualities and now recognized for its gut health benefits.
Meiji Holdings’ Meiji Probio Yogurt R1 and Meiji Probio Yogurt LG21 are popular among Japanese customers, who believe the products provide health benefits. While R1 yogurt is considered by some customers to enhance immune health and help them stay away from common colds and flu, the presence of lactobacillus bacteria in LG21 enables it to help customers improve their digestive health. Balancing indulgence and health, Meiji Holdings has positioned itself as Japan’s leading dairy and chocolate manufacturer, with a 100-year legacy in production and marketing products in these categories.
In 2016, Meiji Holdings celebrated its 100-year anniversary in the industry. Along with advancing sustainable development goals, it maintains high ethical standards in product development. The company will source all raw materials through its own traceable and sustainable practices, creating a transparent and sustainable supply chain. It is also pursuing new business ventures in bio-manufacturing through partnerships with cutting-edge companies and open innovation, poised to make significant health value by combining its strength in the food and pharmaceutical segments.
