Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Miyako Oriental Foods, Inc., headquartered in Baldwin Park, California, is a premier U.S. manufacturer of authentic Japanese miso pastes and traditional Asian condiments. Founded by Joseph "Joe" Arai, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and cultural integrity in the production of miso and fermented soy-based foods. Through its flagship brand, Cold Mountain Miso, and other sub-brands, Miyako Oriental Foods has become a trusted supplier for retail, foodservice, and industrial markets across North America and beyond.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Miyako Oriental Foods specializes in traditional fermentation techniques combined with modern food processing technologies to produce premium miso pastes and Japanese-inspired sauces. Their product lineup caters to chefs, retailers, and food manufacturers looking for authentic, non-GMO, and additive-free miso products.

Key Product Categories:

• Miso Paste:

  • Red Miso: Deep umami flavor, ideal for soups and marinades
  • White Miso: Mild and sweet, suited for dressings and glazes
  • Awase Miso: Blend of red and white miso for balanced flavor
  • Koji Miso: High in rice koji, light and slightly sweet
  • Mellow Series: Lower salt, sweeter flavor profile
  • Kyoto Series: Premium miso with reduced sodium and clean-label ingredients
  • Saikyo Miso: Delicately sweet miso, often used in Kyoto-style cuisine

• Sauces & Condiments:

  • Ponzu Sauce: Soy-citrus blend for dipping and marinades
  • Yuzu Sauce: Yuzu-forward tangy condiment
  • Koji Sauce: Fermented rice-based seasoning
  • Sushi Sauce: Thick, savory-sweet sauce for rolls and rice bowls

• Other Products:

  • Frozen Yuzu Juice: Sourced from Japan, used in desserts and savory recipes

Miyako’s products are non-GMO and made without artificial preservatives, aligning with clean label and wellness trends.

Specialization and Unique Value Proposition

Miyako Oriental Foods has carved a niche as one of the only domestically manufactured miso brands in the United States that combines authentic Japanese fermentation with American food safety standards.

Key differentiators include:

• Cold Mountain Miso: Produced in the U.S. using time-honored Japanese methods
• Premium Ingredients: U.S.-sourced soybeans, rice, and naturally filtered water
• Low-Sodium & Sweet Variants: Appeals to health-conscious consumers and specialty diet needs
• Culinary-Grade Miso: Ideal for chefs, industrial kitchens, and ready-meal manufacturers

Their miso pastes are refrigerated to preserve enzyme activity and flavor integrity—unique in a category often dominated by shelf-stable products.

Financial Performance and Market Reach

While Miyako Oriental Foods is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose financials, its product reach and distribution suggest robust performance:

• Distributed in major Asian grocery chains such as Mitsuwa, Marukai, Nijiya, and H Mart
• Available through national retailers including Whole Foods Market and Sprouts (select regions)
• Supplied to foodservice distributors, Japanese restaurants, and industrial ingredient buyers

The company continues to experience growth due to increased consumer interest in Japanese cuisine and fermented foods.

Export and Shipment Activity

Miyako Oriental Foods primarily serves the North American market but also exports specialty miso products under the Cold Mountain and Yamajirushi brands to select international distributors.

• Export Markets: Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia
• HS Codes Used: 2103 (Soybean-based sauces), 2005 (Preserved vegetables including miso-based pickles)

The brand also partners with specialty online grocers for DTC fulfillment globally.

Target Market

Miyako targets multiple segments of the food industry:

• Retail Consumers: Health-conscious shoppers and home cooks interested in clean-label Japanese condiments
• Foodservice & Chefs: Fine dining, ramen shops, and izakaya establishments looking for authentic fermented seasonings
• Food Manufacturers: OEM and bulk orders for RTE meal production, miso glazes, and dressings
• Asian Grocers and Importers: Private label and co-branded miso solutions

Its core demographic includes both Japanese expatriate communities and American culinary enthusiasts.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Fermentation Facilities: Located in Baldwin Park, California, featuring temperature-controlled, traditional koji fermentation systems
• In-House Koji Production: Enhances quality control and enables unique flavor profiles
• Cold Chain Distribution: Maintains refrigerated supply chain for freshness and enzyme activity
• Packaging Options: Retail tubs, industrial pouches, bulk barrels, and private label customization

The company also offers bilingual packaging and labeling for international and domestic compliance.

Certifications and Compliance

Miyako Oriental Foods adheres to strict U.S. food safety standards and voluntary certifications:

• FDA-Registered Facility
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• HACCP-Compliant Operations
• Kosher Certification on select products
• Gluten-Free variants available for foodservice

All products are manufactured without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Customer Testimonials and Industry Recognition

Miyako’s miso products have earned consistent praise for quality, taste, and authenticity:

• “The best store-bought miso we’ve used in our kitchen—perfect balance of umami and salt.” – Executive Chef, Japanese Bistro, Los Angeles
• “We love their Kyoto miso for vegan sauces and broths—very versatile and flavorful.” – Food Product Developer, Natural Foods Company
• “Cold Mountain’s red miso is our go-to for ramen seasoning.” – Ramen Shop Owner, San Francisco

Miyako was featured in Visiting with Huell Howser on PBS, highlighting their traditional miso fermentation process.

Major Achievements

• Launched one of the first domestically produced miso brands in the U.S. market
• Expanded the Cold Mountain product line to over a dozen SKUs including low-sodium, gluten-free, and high-koji varieties
• Recognized for preserving Japanese culinary traditions while adapting to modern food safety and dietary trends
• Developed long-term partnerships with retail chains and industrial food manufacturers

Miyako Oriental Foods continues to lead in authentic miso production, offering high-quality, nutrient-dense products that reflect Japan’s culinary heritage and America’s appetite for healthy, umami-rich food solutions.