Kagome is a major processor of fruit and vegetables in Japan
Kagome Co., Ltd. (カゴメ株式会社, Kagome Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of tomato-based foods, and fruit and vegetable juices.[2]
Since 2007, it has partnered with Asahi Breweries (TYO: 2502) to develop low alcohol fruit and vegetable drinks.[4]
U.S.-based global fast food restaurateur, Yum! Brands, awarded its 2008 Asia Franchise STAR to Kagome.[5]
History
Kagome started as a tomato grower, and its main products are still based on tomatoes
Ichitaro Kanie began cultivating tomatoes in 1899 — according to Kagome, these were the first grown in Japan.[1]
He soon began producing tomato ketchup and Worcester sauce.[1]
However, tomato juice was not sold until 1933.[1]
The Kagome trademark was registered in 1917, and the Aichi Tomato Co., Ltd was incorporated in 1949.[1]
In 1963, Aichi Tomato became Kagome Co., Ltd, and fifteen years later, gained a listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.[1]
Beginning with the 1998 incorporation of a United States subsidiary, Kagome developed overseas, with subsidiaries and minority stakes in affiliates in Asia, North America and Europe, and a strategic alliance with the H. J. Heinz Company.[1][6][7][8]
It also purchased a Japanese company specializing in vegetable lactic acid bacteria, Yukijirushi Labio Co., Ltd, now Kagome Labio Co., Ltd.[1]
^AP Online (2002-09-09). "Heinz, Kagome Call Off Alliance". HighBeam Research. U.S. food giant H.J. Heinz Co. and Japanese foodmaker Kagome Co. said Monday they have dropped plans to invest in each other although they intend to continue working together on some aspects of their businesses.
