Kamada Soy Sauce Inc., headquartered in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a distinguished manufacturer and exporter of premium soy sauce and Japanese seasonings. Founded over a century ago, the company is celebrated for its innovative approach to traditional soy sauce brewing and its commitment to health-conscious, umami-rich flavor solutions. Kamada’s extensive product lineup caters to both domestic and international markets, with subsidiaries in the U.S. and Australia.
Company Overview
Established in 1789, Kamada Soy Sauce Inc. has over 230 years of heritage in soy sauce brewing. It was among the pioneers in introducing dashi-infused soy sauces—blending kombu (kelp), bonito flakes, and shiitake mushrooms for an enhanced umami profile. The company continues to evolve with global tastes while preserving the essence of Japanese culinary tradition.
Core Business Areas
1. Soy Sauce Products
Kamada offers an extensive range of soy sauce products tailored for diverse culinary needs:
- Dashi Soy Sauce
- Less Sodium Dashi Soy Sauce
- Garlic Dashi Soy Sauce
- Chili Dashi Soy Sauce
- Teriyaki Soy Sauce
- Ponzu Soy Sauce
- Dashi Ponzu Soy Sauce
- Sashimi Soy Sauce
- Nizakana Soy Sauce
- Classic Yuzu Soy Sauce
- Vegan Dashi Soy Sauce
- Salmon Dashi Soy Sauce
These products are crafted using carefully selected raw materials and are designed to be versatile, healthy, and rich in umami.
2. Soup and Noodle Bases
- Dashi Soup Base: Used for miso soup, hot pots, and stews
- Noodle Soup Base: Ideal for udon, soba, and ramen dishes
3. Salad Dressings & Seasonings
- Japanese-Style Dressings: Light and tangy, infused with soy and dashi
- Other Seasonings: Traditional miso, rice vinegar
4. Meal Kits & Gift Sets
- Tokachi Soba Set
- Sanuki Udon Set
- Kamada Somen Set
- Silken Tofu Set
- Variety Gift Sets
These ready-to-cook or gift-ready sets are highly popular in seasonal sales and international e-commerce.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Low Sodium Options: Up to 44% less sodium compared to regular soy sauce, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Dashi-Based Innovation: Exclusive fusion of dashi and soy sauce to enhance flavor without added salt or MSG.
- Export-Oriented SKUs: Custom labeling, bilingual packaging, and product formulation for global markets.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Products: Select lines cater to specialized diets.
Financial and Market Position
Kamada is a mid-sized enterprise in Japan’s seasoning industry, operating in a niche high-quality soy sauce segment.
- Estimated annual revenue: $15M - $20M USD
- Global subsidiaries: Kamada America (based in Oregon, USA) and Kamada Australia
- Domestic distribution: Through high-end retailers, e-commerce platforms, and department stores across Japan
Export and Shipment Records
Based on data from import databases like ImportYeti and Trademo:
- Exports to: USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany
- Notable buyers: Japanese grocery importers, Whole Foods regional suppliers (USA)
- Annual export volume: Over 200,000 bottles, primarily Dashi Soy Sauce and Ponzu
- Growth markets: U.S. (increased by 22% YoY in 2023), Australia, Southeast Asia
Target Markets
- Health-conscious consumers
- Japanese cuisine enthusiasts
- High-end chefs and restaurants
- Ethnic and specialty grocery stores
- Gift and gourmet retailers
Operational Capabilities
- Automated bottling and packaging facility in Sakaide
- Cold chain logistics for fresh ingredients like dashi stock
- In-house R&D for product customization and new product development
- ISO 22000 and HACCP compliant production process
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System
- HACCP Certified – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
- FSSC 22000 – Food Safety System Certification
- U.S. FDA Registered Facility
- Select products are Gluten-Free Certified and Vegan Certified
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve been using Kamada’s Dashi Soy Sauce in our izakaya for over a decade—unmatched balance of flavor and elegance.”
— Head Chef, Tokyo-based Japanese Gastropub
“Their low-sodium Ponzu sauce is a game-changer for my clients who are on sodium-restricted diets.”
— Nutritionist, Sydney, Australia
Major Achievements
- Awarded “Best Traditional Product Innovation” by Japan Food Journal (2019)
- Featured in NHK’s “Japanese Artisan” Series (2021)
- Patented low-sodium dashi formulation for commercial use
- Developed exclusive private-label soy sauce for multiple high-end U.S. grocery chains
