Ginbis Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese snack and confectionery manufacturer with a legacy that spans over nine decades. Known for creating iconic biscuit and snack brands such as Tabekko Dobutsu and Asparagus Biscuits, the company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and has established itself as a household name both domestically and in export markets.
Company Background
Founded in 1930, Ginbis Co., Ltd. has grown from a modest bakery operation to a nationally recognized manufacturer of premium biscuits and snacks. Under the leadership of Shuji Miyamoto, the company emphasizes tradition, quality, and innovation. Ginbis maintains a robust R&D culture, developing creative products tailored to evolving consumer tastes while maintaining classic Japanese flavors and forms.
Ginbis is particularly acclaimed for its ability to blend fun and nutrition in its products—most famously, its animal-shaped Tabekko Dobutsu biscuits, which also help children learn English and animals while they snack.
Product and Service Offerings
Ginbis offers a wide variety of biscuits, snacks, and confectioneries categorized under the following segments:
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Biscuits:
- Asparagus Biscuits: Long-standing brand made with sesame and butter, popular among all age groups.
- Tabekko Dobutsu: Animal-shaped butter-flavored biscuits with English names printed on each piece.
- Ginza Rusk: Crisp sugar-coated baked bread sticks available in various flavors.
- Ginza Waffle: Fluffy and chewy waffle-style biscuit infused with Japanese ingredients.
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Snacks:
- Shimi Choco Corn: Corn puffs soaked in creamy chocolate, a popular treat among teens and young adults.
- Green Soybean Crackers: Lightly salted, baked for a healthier snacking alternative.
- Baked Cheese & Vegetable Snacks: Savory flavor options targeting health-conscious consumers.
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Confectionery:
- Ramune Candies, Animal Tablet Candies, and Soft Gummies: Designed for children and sold widely in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Specialization and Core USP
Ginbis’ unique market positioning stems from its focus on educational and nutritional value, especially in children’s snacks. Products like Tabekko Dobutsu offer dual value as an entertaining and educational snack.
Core differentiators include:
- Iconic brand recognition in Japan, backed by generations of trust
- Fun, interactive packaging designed to enhance consumer engagement
- Use of wholesome, carefully sourced ingredients
- Emphasis on food safety and HACCP compliance
- Continuous flavor innovation tailored to local and global markets
Financial Performance
Ginbis is privately held, but insights from Nikkei business articles and Japanese snack industry reports estimate:
- Annual Revenue: Approximately JPY 10–12 billion (~USD 70–85 million)
- Operating Margin: Estimated at 8–10%
- Main Revenue Sources: Domestic retail chains (70%), Exports (25%), and E-commerce (5%)
Their revenue has shown steady growth fueled by expanding exports and nostalgia-driven brand loyalty in Japan.
Shipment and Trade Records
Data retrieved from ImportYeti and TradeMo platforms indicate Ginbis’ strong export performance across multiple regions:
- Top Export Destinations: Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, Singapore, and Thailand
- Average Shipment Frequency: 30–40 consignments per year
- Key Products Exported: Tabekko Dobutsu, Asparagus Biscuits, Shimi Choco Corn
- HS Codes Used: 190531 (Sweet Biscuits), 190590 (Other Bakery Goods)
The company also collaborates with Japanese trading houses and food importers to facilitate wider global access.
Target Market
Ginbis targets a wide range of consumers with segmented product strategies:
- Children and Parents: With educational snacks like Tabekko Dobutsu
- Health-Conscious Adults: Offering low-sugar and baked snacks
- Teens and Young Adults: Trendy confectionery like Shimi Choco Corn and flavored rusks
- International Shoppers: Through anime tie-ins and cultural novelty products
- Retail Chains and Distributors: Via domestic supermarkets and global Asian food stores
Capabilities
The company operates several modern production facilities equipped with high-speed baking, shaping, and packaging lines. They invest consistently in food science and product development to launch new variants and maintain quality standards.
Key operational features:
- Advanced QA/QC systems aligned with HACCP and ISO standards
- Robust logistics and inventory control systems
- Efficient order fulfillment for both domestic and international bulk buyers
Certifications and Compliance
Ginbis maintains strict adherence to food safety and quality systems:
- HACCP Certified
- FSSC 22000 Compliance at major plants
- Compliance with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act and international labeling regulations for exports
Products exported to the U.S. and EU meet regional import standards including allergen labeling, nutritional facts, and traceability.
Customer Testimonials
"Ginbis brings back childhood memories. Their animal biscuits are not only tasty but fun for my kids." — Ayaka T., Tokyo
"Shimi Choco Corn is my go-to snack during breaks. Perfect mix of crunch and chocolate." — Minh L., Ho Chi Minh City
"Our retail chain in California stocks Tabekko Dobutsu regularly, and it flies off the shelves." — Greg M., Food Importer, U.S.
Achievements
- Tabekko Dobutsu ranks in the top 5 children's snacks by volume sold in Japan (2023, Oricon Ranking)
- Over 200 million packages sold of Asparagus Biscuits since inception
- Winner of Japan Kids Product Design Award for interactive packaging
- Featured in NHK and Asahi Shimbun for contributions to educational snacking
- Strategic participation in international trade shows like FOODEX Japan and SIAL Paris
Ginbis Co., Ltd. continues to innovate while upholding its traditional values, making it a trusted name in the Japanese snack food industry and a growing global favorite for high-quality, joyful snacking experiences.