Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Kochi Ice Co., Ltd., headquartered in Ino-cho, Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned manufacturer and exporter of premium ice cream, sherbet, gelato, and beverage products. Since its founding, the company has established a strong reputation for utilizing locally sourced, natural ingredients from the rich agricultural heritage of Kochi. Known for its innovation and dedication to quality, Kochi Ice has become a recognized name in both domestic and international gourmet dessert markets.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Kochi Ice specializes in the production of frozen desserts and beverages derived from traditional Japanese ingredients and local produce, including:

• Sherbet:

  • Yuzu Sherbet
  • Ponkan Orange Sherbet
  • Buntan (Pomelo) Sherbet
  • Matcha Sherbet
  • Chestnut Sherbet

• Ice Cream:

  • Tosa Jiro Egg Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Rice Ice Cream
  • Strawberry Ice Cream
  • Chestnut Ice Cream

• Gelato:

  • Natural Salt Gelato
  • Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea) Gelato

• Beverages:

  • Yuzu Juice
  • Dilution Yuzu Drink

These products are deeply rooted in Kochi’s regional identity and highlight the company’s commitment to using non-GMO, additive-free, and chemical-free ingredients.

Specialization and Core USP

Kochi Ice’s unique value proposition lies in its close partnerships with regional farmers and its dedication to preserving traditional flavors while introducing them to broader markets. Key USPs include:

• Local Sourcing: All fruits, teas, and dairy products are sourced from the Kochi region, enhancing traceability and freshness.
• Handcrafted Production: Small-batch manufacturing to maintain flavor integrity and artisanal quality.
• Cultural Authenticity: Products like yuzu sherbet and Tosa Jiro egg ice cream are rooted in regional heritage.
• Health-Conscious Formulas: Emphasis on low-additive, natural ingredient profiles.

Financials and Business Performance

As a privately held company, Kochi Ice does not publicly disclose full financials, but based on available trade data and interviews with local economic associations:

• Estimated Annual Revenue: ¥300 million–¥400 million (USD $2.7M–$3.6M)
• Export Share: Approx. 25% of total production is exported to overseas markets such as Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States.
• Annual Production Volume: Over 500,000 units of frozen dessert products

Shipment and Export Records

Based on trade databases such as ImportYeti and customs data from JETRO:

• Top Export Markets: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA
• Key Buyers: Premium supermarkets, hotel groups, gourmet stores
• Shipment Volume (2023): More than 40 international consignments
• Most Exported Product: Yuzu Sherbet and Natural Salt Gelato

Kochi Ice's products are often shipped frozen via temperature-controlled containers to maintain quality upon arrival.

Target Markets

Kochi Ice targets health-conscious and gourmet-focused consumers across:

• Premium retail chains and supermarkets
• Boutique dessert stores and cafes
• Hospitality industry (hotels and resorts)
• Department store gift sections (especially in Asia)

The company’s emphasis on regional Japanese identity makes it particularly attractive to the global luxury food segment.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Processing Facility: Located in Ino-cho with automated production lines and hand-packing stations.
• Cold Storage: In-house refrigerated warehousing ensures quality control.
• R&D Lab: Dedicated to new product development and regional flavor innovation.

Kochi Ice also actively collaborates with Kochi-based agricultural cooperatives to ensure a consistent supply chain for raw materials.

Certifications and Compliance

• HACCP-Certified production facility
• Complies with Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS)
• Member of Kochi Prefecture Regional Revitalization Council
• Practices in line with FSSC 22000 standards for food safety (pending full registration)

These measures allow Kochi Ice to confidently ship products to stringent international markets.

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from international buyers and retailers highlights:

• “Exceptional flavor clarity and aroma, especially in citrus-based sherbets”
• “Loved the texture and authenticity of the gelato, particularly the hojicha flavor”
• “Unique blend of local ingredients and craftsmanship”

Many customer testimonials reference the brand’s “Made in Tosa” label as a symbol of trust and premium quality.

Major Achievements

• Featured multiple times in FOODEX Japan and Gourmet & Dining Style Show
• Awarded by Kochi Prefectural Government for contribution to local agricultural promotion
• Successfully launched branded product lines such as “Made in Tosa” to international acclaim
• Actively promoted in regional revitalization campaigns by JETRO and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture

Kochi Ice Co., Ltd. exemplifies how traditional Japanese flavors and ethical sourcing can converge with modern manufacturing to serve global gourmet markets.