Eikodo & Co., Ltd., operating under the brand name Zelico, is a heritage confectionery manufacturer based in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Renowned for its fusion of traditional Japanese sweets and modern confectionery techniques, the company has built a distinguished reputation both domestically and internationally for its high-quality, culturally rooted, and beautifully packaged sweets.
Company Background
Established in 1887, Eikodo & Co., Ltd. brings over 135 years of confectionery heritage into its production. The company originated as a family-run traditional sweet shop and has grown into an internationally recognized confectionery brand, exporting to over 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Under the leadership of Managing Director Kenjiro Suzuki, the company continues to modernize its manufacturing while preserving time-honored Japanese flavors and aesthetics.
Core Product Offerings
Zelico’s offerings span multiple product categories, reflecting Japan’s rich culinary diversity in the confectionery domain:
Soft Candy Series
- Tokunou Milk Matcha Caramel
- Lactobacillus Yogurt Soft Candy
- Fruit & Milk Soft Candy Ramelle
- The Caramel
These candies are crafted with premium ingredients such as Hokkaido milk, matcha from Uji, and probiotics to cater to health-conscious consumers.
Biscuit Series
- Hokkaido Milk Cream Sandwich
- Furano Melon Cookie
- Premium Langues de Chat
Combining French pastry techniques with Japanese ingredients, these biscuits serve as popular gifts and souvenirs.
Taiyaki Series
- Japanese “Enmusubi” Taiyaki in Azuki, Custard Cream, and Matcha flavors.
A baked confectionery shaped like a sea bream (tai), symbolizing good fortune, it appeals to both traditional and novelty snack markets.
Seafood Nibbles Series
- Hakodate Ikapoppo Seafood Crackers, available in three unique regional flavors.
A savory snack series tapping into Japan’s regional delicacy market.
Gift Series
- Hokkaido No Koibito in Milk, Strawberry, Matcha, Chocolate, and Cheese variants.
These attractively boxed assortments are tailored for premium gift-giving and souvenir segments.
Product Development and Innovation
Eikodo consistently introduces seasonal and limited-edition items, often collaborating with regional agricultural producers. Their in-house R&D team ensures that every product meets both consumer expectations and Japanese confectionery quality standards.
Unique Selling Propositions
- Traditional Meets Modern: Craftsmanship inherited from Meiji-era Japan integrated with contemporary R&D.
- Premium Sourcing: Use of regional ingredients such as Hokkaido dairy, Uji matcha, and Hakodate seafood.
- Gift-Centric Packaging: Every product is aesthetically packaged, aligning with Japan’s gift-giving culture.
- Cultural Branding: Each item carries cultural symbolism, enhancing its appeal in global markets seeking authentic Japanese products.
Export Markets and Shipment Records
Eikodo & Co., Ltd. has been actively exporting its products since early 2000s. Export data from platforms like ImportYeti and Volza highlight:
- Presence in over 20 international markets, including Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, USA, and France.
- Over 500 export consignments tracked in the past 5 years.
- Annual export revenue estimated at USD 3–4 million, with seasonal peaks during major Japanese and international festivals.
Target Markets
- Asian Supermarkets and specialty stores in North America and Europe.
- Airlines and Duty-Free Retailers seeking culturally symbolic confectionery.
- Gift and Souvenir Shops in tourist-dense areas of Japan.
- Online Gourmet and Japanese Snack Retailers globally.
Production and Capabilities
- Facility Location: Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture
- Production Volume:
- Soft candies: ~2.5 million units/month
- Taiyaki and biscuits: ~1 million units/month
- Automation: Semi-automated lines with manual finishing for delicate packaging and premium collections.
- Custom OEM Production: Available for international clients under private labels.
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 22000 certified for food safety management systems.
- FSSC 22000 compliant for enhanced global food safety assurance.
- All products meet Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS).
- Export products comply with EU and FDA import regulations.
Client Testimonials
“Zelico products are not only delicious but beautifully presented. They are among our top-selling Japanese gift snacks.”
— Takashimaya Singapore
“The taiyaki and matcha caramels have become staples in our Japanese snack subscription boxes.”
— BentoSnacks USA
Awards and Recognition
- Good Design Award (Japan) for packaging design (2019).
- Named one of the Top 100 Japanese Export SMEs by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2021.
- Featured in NHK’s “Nippon no Shokunin” documentary series for traditional confectionery.
Eikodo & Co., Ltd. continues to blend nostalgia and novelty, offering the global market a true taste of Japanese tradition with a modern twist. With its focus on quality, design, and cultural storytelling, Zelico stands out as a premium brand in the global Japanese confectionery landscape.
