Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Kagome USA, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Kagome Co., Ltd., a global food and beverage conglomerate headquartered in Japan. With its U.S. operations based in Los Banos, California, Kagome USA has become a recognized leader in the custom development and manufacturing of tomato-based sauces, culinary dressings, and functional foodservice ingredients for leading restaurant chains, retail brands, and food manufacturers across the United States.

Company Overview

Kagome USA was established to extend the Kagome Group’s mission of "bringing the flavor and nutrition of vegetables to people around the world." Leveraging California’s Central Valley as one of the most fertile agricultural regions globally, Kagome USA specializes in transforming fresh, locally sourced tomatoes and other vegetables into clean-label sauces, salsas, and culinary bases tailored for high-performance kitchens and large-scale food operations.

Core Business

Kagome USA operates as a vertically integrated food processor focused on:

• Custom formulation and contract manufacturing of tomato-based products
• Private label and co-manufacturing services for QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) and food brands
• Bulk ingredient supply to industrial food producers
• Culinary innovation aligned with flavor trends and clean-label standards

Product Offerings

Kagome USA delivers a versatile product line primarily focused on high-volume and customizable foodservice ingredients, including:

• Tomato-Based Sauces:

  • Pizza sauces, pasta sauces, enchilada sauces
  • Clean-label, fire-roasted, and organic variants

• Salsas:

  • Chunky, smooth, fire-roasted, fruit-infused blends

• Buttery Spreads & Margarines:

  • High-stability, flavor-enhanced spreads for baking and cooking

• Specialty Oil Blends:

  • Functional oils used in commercial food prep and bakery applications

• Popcorn Cheese & Pan Sprays:

  • High-performance coating and flavoring systems for snack applications

• Icings and Glazes:

  • Shelf-stable, ready-to-use for bakery and dessert toppings

Products are available in packaging formats ranging from foodservice pouches and drums to industrial totes and retail packs.

Specialization and Unique Value Proposition

• Culinary innovation supported by in-house chefs and R&D experts
• Farm-to-table integration, sourcing raw produce directly from local growers
• Strong focus on clean-label, non-GMO, and organic-certified ingredient sourcing
• Custom flavor development aligned with current consumer trends (e.g., plant-based, umami-rich profiles)
• Rapid turnaround on R&D-to-commercialization timelines for custom orders

Financials

As a private subsidiary of Kagome Co., Ltd., detailed revenue figures for Kagome USA are not independently disclosed. However, Kagome Co., Ltd. reported consolidated net sales of ¥196.7 billion (approx. USD 1.3 billion) in FY2023. Kagome USA contributes significantly to the group’s international revenue through high-volume B2B contracts and custom co-manufacturing agreements with leading foodservice chains.

Export and Shipment Data

Kagome USA primarily serves the U.S. domestic market but also provides strategic manufacturing and supply chain support for international clients, particularly in:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Asia-Pacific region, in collaboration with the Kagome global supply network

Shipment formats include refrigerated and ambient shelf-stable goods, distributed via national and regional logistics partners under strict food safety protocols.

Target Markets

Kagome USA’s client base includes:

• Global and regional QSR brands (quick-service restaurants)
• Fast casual and full-service restaurant chains
• Retail food brands requiring custom sauce solutions
• Institutional and industrial foodservice distributors
• Private label and OEM clients in retail and foodservice sectors

Capabilities

• Advanced manufacturing facility in Los Banos, CA
• Robust R&D kitchen and pilot plant for formulation testing
• Regulatory and labeling support for FDA and USDA compliance
• Scalable production from small batch prototyping to national-scale rollout
• Full food safety and traceability systems, including allergen and HACCP protocols

Certifications and Compliance

• SQF Level 3 Certification (Safe Quality Food)
• Non-GMO Project Verified for select lines
• USDA Organic Certification for organic tomato products
• Kosher and Halal Certifications available on selected items
• Full compliance with FDA FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) standards

Customer Testimonials

While detailed testimonials are proprietary, Kagome USA is a trusted co-manufacturing partner for some of the largest QSR chains and national food brands. Industry feedback highlights:

• Consistent product quality and supply chain reliability
• Ability to rapidly commercialize custom formulations
• Long-term partnership mindset with customer-centric innovation

Major Achievements

• Selected co-manufacturer for multiple top 10 U.S. QSR brands
• Developed over 1,000+ unique SKUs for foodservice and retail clients
• Played a key role in launching plant-based menu innovations across North America
• Integrated sustainability initiatives across sourcing, production, and packaging
• Aligned with Kagome Group’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals through local community programs and agricultural support