Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Kitagawa Village Yuzu Kingdom Co., Ltd. is a Japanese food and beverage enterprise deeply rooted in the heritage and natural abundance of Kitagawa Village, Kochi Prefecture. The company is dedicated to the cultivation, processing, and global promotion of yuzu—an aromatic citrus fruit that has long been revered in Japanese culinary tradition. As a community-based corporation, it represents a pioneering model for rural revitalization through agricultural branding and value-added product development.

Company Overview

Established to foster sustainable economic development in Kitagawa Village, Yuzu Kingdom Co., Ltd. has become a central player in Japan’s premium yuzu supply chain. The company engages in end-to-end operations—spanning from the cultivation of yuzu trees across the mountainous terrain of Kochi, to the commercialization of a wide array of processed products that showcase the citrus fruit’s versatility.

Core Business

The company’s primary business activities include:

• Cultivation of yuzu fruits using environmentally friendly practices across Kitagawa Village.
• Processing and value addition through extraction of juice, preparation of jams, sauces, teas, and seasonings.
• Brand development and marketing under the “Yuzu Kingdom” label, representing high-quality regional products.

Their integrated approach not only enhances the profitability of local agriculture but also ensures traceability and quality control from orchard to shelf.

Product and Service Offerings

Kitagawa Village Yuzu Kingdom’s product portfolio includes:

• Yuzu Juice – 100% pure juice extracted without additives, used in foodservice and culinary applications.
• Yuzu Ponzu – A soy-based citrus sauce used in traditional Japanese cuisine.
• Yuzu Jam & Marmalade – Made from fruit and peel, suited for export and domestic gourmet markets.
• Yuzu Syrup & Cider – Popular among health-conscious consumers as a refreshing beverage.
• Yuzu Tea – A sweetened pulp concentrate used in hot and cold drinks.
• Yuzu Dressing & Jelly – Ideal for salads, desserts, and convenience formats.
• Raw Materials – Fresh yuzu fruit and frozen peels sold to B2B buyers.

The product development emphasizes additive-free, natural flavor retention and sustainable packaging.

Specialization and Core USP

The company’s unique value proposition lies in:

• Single-Origin Sourcing: All yuzu used is cultivated in Kitagawa Village, ensuring consistent flavor and terroir.
• Eco-Friendly Farming: Yuzu is grown using minimal pesticides in an ecosystem managed by the village.
• Community Integration: Revenue supports local employment, and the business serves as a revitalization model.
• Traditional Meets Modern: Blends artisanal methods with state-of-the-art processing and packaging for global export.

Financials

While specific revenue figures for Kitagawa Village Yuzu Kingdom Co., Ltd. are not publicly disclosed, regional agricultural statistics indicate the economic contribution of yuzu in Kitagawa Village exceeds ¥1 billion (~$6.5 million) annually in aggregate. The company is a key commercial entity in this figure, reflecting a strong local economic impact.

International Shipment Data

According to trade data from platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza, Kitagawa Village Yuzu Kingdom has engaged in modest but consistent exports to markets including:

• United States
• France
• Singapore
• Hong Kong

Product formats most commonly exported include:

• Frozen yuzu peel (1 kg, 5 kg packs)
• Bottled yuzu juice (180 ml to 720 ml)
• Yuzu ponzu sauces and dressings

Average container shipments indicate a quarterly volume of 1–2 containers, mainly for boutique distributors and high-end Japanese food retailers abroad.

Target Market

The company targets:

• Domestic gourmet and health-conscious consumers
• Export buyers in the specialty food sector
• Professional chefs and foodservice industry seeking authentic Japanese citrus
• Retailers in premium supermarkets and online organic marketplaces

Capabilities

Kitagawa Village Yuzu Kingdom Co., Ltd. has developed strong operational capabilities:

• Advanced Processing Facilities: Cold-press extraction and HACCP-aligned sterilization.
• Cold Chain Logistics: For maintaining flavor and freshness of frozen and refrigerated products.
• Multilingual Packaging and Labeling: For global compliance and customs ease.
• Small-batch Customization: For business buyers requiring unique specifications.

Certifications and Compliance Records

The company complies with Japanese food safety regulations and has received:

• HACCP Certification
• JAS Organic for Select Products
• Regional Agricultural Revitalization Grant Compliance

Export documentation complies with international food trade standards.

Customer Testimonials

While not widely visible on global platforms, Japanese domestic feedback and regional government endorsements speak highly of the brand’s:

• Consistency in taste and quality
• Social impact on regional employment
• Product innovation rooted in tradition

Major Achievements

• Brand Establishment: Successfully developed “Yuzu Kingdom” as a premium regional food brand.
• Rural Revitalization: Created over 40 local jobs and provided stable income for aging farmers.
• International Market Penetration: Products stocked by gourmet retailers and restaurants in Asia and North America.
• Media Recognition: Featured in Japanese agricultural and lifestyle documentaries for sustainable rural business models.