Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Kita-Sanriku Factory INC., headquartered in Hirono-cho, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a pioneering force in sustainable aquaculture and premium seafood processing. Established with a strong commitment to revitalizing the marine economy of the Sanriku Coast after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the company has quickly risen to prominence for its world-class sea urchin cultivation and processing.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Kita-Sanriku Factory specializes in the cultivation, processing, and export of high-quality sea urchin and seaweed products. With a vertically integrated model, the company oversees every stage of production—from hatchery to harvest to final packaging—ensuring premium quality and traceability.

Key Product Categories

• Sea Urchin Products

  • Four-Year-Old Sea Urchin: Cultivated over a meticulous four-year cycle, these urchins are renowned for their rich umami flavor and deep orange hue.
  • HAGUKUMU-UNI®︎: A branded premium sea urchin product designed for gourmet and high-end retail markets.

• Seaweed Products

  • Wild and farmed Kelp and Wakame Seaweed, harvested from the nutrient-rich Sanriku coastline.

• Processed Seafood

  • UNI&岩手産バターSPREAD（うにバター）: A sea urchin butter spread using locally sourced butter from Iwate.
  • 豆乳うにフラン (Soy Milk Uni Flan): A high-end delicacy combining sea urchin with soy milk for luxury foodservice applications.

Specialization and Unique Value Proposition

Kita-Sanriku Factory has pioneered a land-based sea urchin aquaculture ranch, one of the first of its kind in Japan. The facility maintains a closed-loop water purification and temperature control system that mimics the natural environment of the Sanriku sea, optimizing growth and flavor development in the urchins.

The company’s proprietary aquaculture technique allows it to cultivate high-quality sea urchin in a sustainable, scalable, and year-round manner, unlike traditional seasonal harvesting methods. This innovation positions Kita-Sanriku as a reliable supplier for international buyers seeking consistent premium supply.

Financial Overview

While detailed financials are privately held, Kita-Sanriku Factory has reported substantial growth in both domestic and export sales due to increasing demand for premium Japanese seafood. The launch of HAGUKUMU-UNI®︎ has opened up high-margin retail and foodservice channels in luxury markets across Asia and Europe.

Export and Shipment Data

According to data from platforms such as Volza and ImportYeti, Kita-Sanriku Factory has consistently exported premium sea urchin products to markets including:

• Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan – via cold chain seafood distributors
• USA – particularly to Japanese restaurants and high-end retailers in New York and California
• France and Germany – for use in Michelin-starred cuisine

In 2023 alone, the company completed over 85 international shipments with a cumulative volume exceeding 22 metric tons of processed sea urchin and related products.

Target Markets

Kita-Sanriku Factory primarily targets:

• Luxury foodservice (Michelin-starred restaurants, sushi chains)
• Premium retail (gourmet grocers, high-end department stores)
• Export wholesalers dealing in Japanese specialty seafood
• Online D2C platforms catering to Japanese and international gourmets

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Land-Based Aquaculture Ranch: Allows for continuous, environmentally controlled sea urchin cultivation.
• In-House Processing and R&D Lab: Ensures food safety, product innovation, and batch traceability.
• Cold Chain Logistics: Integrated with Japan’s seafood export hubs for fast, fresh international shipping.

Certifications and Compliance

• Certified under HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) standards for food safety.
• Licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan for seafood processing and export.
• Engaged in environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Customer Testimonials

“The consistency and richness of HAGUKUMU-UNI is unlike any other sea urchin we’ve sourced. It’s a game changer.”
— Executive Chef, Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Paris

“Kita-Sanriku Factory’s attention to sustainability and quality makes them our trusted supplier.”
— Seafood Importer, Singapore

Major Achievements

• Winner of the Tohoku Regional Aquaculture Innovation Award in 2021.
• Featured in NHK World Japan and Nikkei Asia for sustainable aquaculture excellence.
• Selected as an official vendor for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics hospitality program, serving premium seafood to international dignitaries.
• Trademarked the brand HAGUKUMU-UNI®︎, now recognized as a top-tier label in the luxury sea urchin market.

With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality, Kita-Sanriku Factory stands at the forefront of Japan’s seafood export industry, offering unique value to global buyers seeking authentic, premium marine products.