The world’s top producer of naturally brewed soy sauce, Kikkoman Corporation officially unveiled Kikkoman India Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary that will diversify its functioning in India.
For decades, the Japanese traditional brand has been one of the most loved brands of soy sauce in more than 100 countries, where consumers link one of the best soy sauces with the brand. With its official entrance into India, the brand targets to become the market leader in the soy sauce and Asian sauces segment, within the evolving FMCG market in India, as it launches its renowned naturally brewed ‘Honjozo’ soy sauce to India.
It is a flexible all-purpose seasoning that can be used for many types of cuisines, such as Asian, Western, Japanese, and Indian dishes. The manufacturing of soy sauce goes through a fermentation process which lasts for several months since it cannot be rushed. It is crucial for the rich yet mellow flavour, appetising fragrance, and unique bright reddish brown colour. It is brewed adopting the Honjozo technique using only 4 ingredients- water, soybeans, wheat and salt. During the fermentation process that lasts for months, over 300 distinct aroma components are produced within the soy sauce, including hints of coffee, flowers, fruits, and vanilla.
Speaking on the occasion, Harry Hakuei Kosato, director and India representative of Kikkoman India commented- “India is one of the largest growing markets for global businesses and a major driver of growth in Asia. The establishment of Kikkoman India will make sure that there is flawless distribution of Kikkoman products especially produced for India, bringing consumers the chance to experience a variety of foods, enriched with true and authentic Kikkoman Soy Sauce. It is for the first time that the Kikkoman Corporation has complete and direct control of all the facets of the business in India, where the focus shall be on marketing and sales. As our sales volumes in India are expected to evolve rapidly to cope up with the rising demand, we are looking forward to shift production to India when the timing is more apt.”
The market entry strategy is to first reach consumers via the hospitality and restaurant sector, starting with an array of soy sauce. Following this, other soy sauce related seasonings for both the food service and consumer retail markets would be launched. Representatives from the brand are meeting with industry executives across India to notify them and make them aware regarding the pros of using naturally brewed soy sauce. The company, globally already holds an undisputed fame. It is very widely accepted by a number of culinary experts across the globe.
“Globally, Kikkoman has been chosen for soy sauce owing to our pure, natural and high-quality product. Our main aim will be to apprise and teach both industry professionals and consumers about the advantages of using our superior quality and naturally brewed soy sauce that possesses no preservatives or taste enhancers. We shall try to reach millions and millions of customers in India.” Kosato further said.
Osamu Mogi, director, executive corporate officer, international operations division, Kikkoman Corporation, Japan stated- “We have been toiling to make Kikkoman Soy Sauce a fully worldwide seasoning while creating new delectable experiences around the globe and contributing to richer, more salubrious lifestyles for decades. Our long-haul commitment to India – one of the world’s biggest and most high-spirited promising, growing markets – is for the coming 100 years and more. Kikkoman Soy Sauce has become a part of quotidian life in millions and millions of households across the world, and we are pleased that every Indian household will soon be able to relish the same.”
With a history of over 350 years and based in Japan, the present corporate entity was set up via merger of 8 families in 1917. The company’s internationalization strategy started some 60 years ago, with its entry into the United States market. The products are now found in the majority i.e. more than 60% of households in the US. It has become a global business, spreading to 100+ countries, with 10 manufacturing units globally that supplies its products throughout the world to a large number of consumers.
The company is exclusively accountable for importing all products, and shall itself be operating all marketing and sales, and distribution functions in India.
