House Foods Group Inc. is one of Japan’s most iconic and diversified food manufacturers, globally recognized for its flavorful curry products, tofu innovations, and health beverages. Headquartered in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, the company has over 100 years of heritage in food innovation and operates as a global enterprise with manufacturing, retail, and food service divisions across Asia, North America, and Europe.
Company Overview
Founded in 1913 and incorporated in 1947, House Foods Group Inc. has grown from a domestic spice and seasoning manufacturer into a multinational conglomerate. It is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 2810) and operates under a group structure, with multiple subsidiaries focusing on spices, health food, restaurant chains, and international food production.
Led by President Hiroshi Urakami, the company employs more than 6,000 people worldwide and is committed to delivering “Deliciousness and Health” as its corporate philosophy.
Product and Business Divisions
House Foods Group Inc. operates through several strategic divisions:
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Spices & Seasonings
- Curry Roux: Vermont Curry, Java Curry
- Stew Mixes: White Stew, Cream Stew
- Spices and Herbs: Curry powder, garlic powders, herb blends
- Starch Noodles and Cooking Bases
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Health Foods
- Ukon No Chikara: Popular turmeric-based health drink
- C1000 Series: Vitamin C enriched beverages
- Functional and Enzyme-rich Supplements
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International Foods
- Tofu and Soy-based Foods: Under House Foods America Corporation
- Plant-Based Proteins: Vegan-friendly food innovations
- Global Production Facilities: U.S., China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia
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Restaurant Operations
- Curry House CoCo Ichibanya: The world’s largest curry restaurant chain, with over 1,400 outlets globally
- Spice Ramen Tenkaippin: Select franchise and joint ventures
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Other Food Businesses
- Prepared Dishes: Bento, pre-packaged meals
- Food Safety & Analysis: Food tech and analytical services
- Ingredient Imports and Exports
Financial Performance
As per the company’s latest annual report (FY 2023):
- Net Sales: ¥322.3 billion (approx. USD 2.3 billion)
- Operating Income: ¥21.7 billion
- Net Income: ¥15.2 billion
- Global Sales Contribution: 25% from overseas operations
- Tofu Sales (U.S.): Over 100 million units sold annually
- CoCo Ichibanya Revenue: Over ¥75 billion annually from restaurant operations
The company has experienced consistent revenue growth due to its international expansion and increasing demand for health-focused and plant-based foods.
Global Reach and Exports
- Manufacturing Facilities: Japan, U.S. (California, New Jersey), China, Taiwan, Thailand
- Export Markets: Over 40 countries, including the U.S., Germany, Singapore, and Australia
- Retail Presence: Asian food aisles in major global supermarkets, e.g., Walmart, Tesco, Aeon
House Foods America Corporation, one of the largest tofu producers in the United States, plays a key role in the group’s global business strategy.
Target Market
- General Consumers: Home cooks, health-conscious buyers
- Foodservice Sector: Restaurant chains, catering businesses
- Retail Partners: Supermarkets, health food stores, and Asian grocers
- Hospitality Industry: Through B2B tofu and seasoning products
The company’s broad target base spans both traditional households in Japan and international millennials seeking plant-based and functional foods.
Capabilities and Innovation
- R&D Facilities: Central Research Institute in Yotsukaido, Japan
- Sustainability Goals: Net-zero emissions by 2050, eco-packaging, waste reduction
- Proprietary Technologies: Fermentation for enzyme supplements, tofu production systems, and spice blending automation
- Digital Transformation: AI in product forecasting, e-commerce integrations, and factory automation
House Foods continues to invest heavily in product innovation, with a 5-year R&D budget exceeding ¥20 billion (USD 140 million).
Certifications and Compliance
- FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 certified facilities
- FDA-registered plants in the U.S.
- Halal and Vegan certifications for selected products
- Eco-friendly supply chain under CSR policy “House Foods Group Sustainability Plan”
These certifications ensure product safety, environmental responsibility, and global market compliance.
Public Engagement and Media
- Social Media Reach: Combined following of over 300,000 across platforms
- CSR Activities: Food education in schools, community soup kitchens
- Featured in: NHK World, The Japan Times, FoodNavigator Asia
- Collaborations: With culinary schools, food influencers, and plant-based startups
House Foods is also known for its viral marketing campaigns such as the animated “Curry Robo” series promoting its curry line.
Key Achievements
- Over 1 billion curry roux packs sold worldwide
- CoCo Ichibanya ranked among “Top 10 Global Restaurant Chains from Japan”
- Market leader in tofu production in North America (House Foods America)
- Awarded Japan’s Good Design Award multiple times for food packaging
- Named “Best Functional Drink Brand” by Nikkei Trendy in 2022 for C1000
House Foods Group Inc. continues to blend culinary tradition with food science, delivering nutrition, taste, and global innovation at scale.
