Mutual Trading Co., Inc. is a leading importer, distributor, and manufacturer of Japanese food products, alcoholic beverages, and restaurant supplies in the United States. Headquartered in El Monte, California, the company has been a cornerstone of the Japanese food industry in America since 1926. With nearly a century of expertise, Mutual Trading serves thousands of restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses across the U.S., offering authentic Japanese goods, culinary tools, and training.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Mutual Trading’s extensive portfolio reflects the full spectrum of Japanese culinary culture. Their core offerings include:
Japanese Food Products:
- Staples: Sushi rice, miso, soy sauce, seaweed, ramen noodles
- Frozen Goods: Seafood, edamame, gyoza, tofu
- Pickled & Preserved Items: Tsukemono (pickled vegetables), natto, umeboshi
- Specialty Ingredients: Sushi-grade fish, wagyu beef, matcha, yuzu products
Alcoholic Beverages:
- Sake: Over 300 curated labels, including exclusive imports from premium breweries
- Shochu and Umeshu: Extensive lineup catering to restaurants and specialty bars
- Japanese Beer: Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin, and craft offerings
Restaurant Supplies and Equipment:
- Tableware and Kitchenware: Donburi bowls, ramen spoons, bento boxes, ceramic wares
- Knives and Sushi Tools: Japanese-made cutlery, bamboo rolling mats, nigiri molds
- Cooking Equipment: Sushi display cases, rice cookers, deep fryers
Educational Services:
- Sake School of America: Certification programs in sake, shochu, and umami education for F&B professionals
Mutual Trading offers both proprietary and third-party brands under its umbrella, providing end-to-end solutions for authentic Japanese dining.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Mutual Trading’s leadership in the Japanese food supply industry stems from:
- Exclusive Distribution Rights: Partnered with top-tier Japanese manufacturers for U.S. exclusivity
- Integrated Service Model: Products, logistics, training, and equipment provided under one network
- Heritage and Authenticity: Deep-rooted relationships with Japanese breweries, fisheries, and farms
- Educational Leadership: Pioneers in sake education through the Sake School of America
- Import-to-Kitchen Chain: Operates through a vertically integrated supply model that ensures freshness, quality, and compliance
The company serves as a one-stop-shop for restaurateurs seeking authentic and premium Japanese culinary resources.
Target Market
Mutual Trading’s clientele includes:
- Japanese and Asian restaurants
- High-end and Michelin-starred culinary establishments
- Sushi and ramen chains
- Retail grocery stores and Asian markets
- Hotel and resort F&B programs
- Specialty liquor stores and sake bars
The company’s market reach spans North America, including strongholds in California, New York, Nevada, Texas, and Hawaii.
Market Presence and Sales Channels
Mutual Trading operates through:
- Regional distribution centers in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu
- E-commerce portal via MTC Kitchen for tools, knives, and smallware
- Wholesale direct sales with account representatives and in-field advisors
- Participation in trade shows like the Mutual Trading Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo
Their physical presence includes over 15 offices and distribution hubs, along with a robust cold-chain logistics network.
Capabilities and Manufacturing
While primarily a distributor, Mutual Trading also manufactures proprietary items and offers value-added services:
- Private label production of sauces, condiments, and seasonings
- Custom knife engraving and sharpening services
- Exclusive OEM collaboration with Japanese sake breweries
- Sourcing and import management for F&B businesses seeking hard-to-find Japanese ingredients
They maintain warehousing infrastructure with freezer, refrigeration, and dry storage facilities, capable of high-volume throughput.
Shipment Records and Export Capability
Mutual Trading focuses on import operations from Japan to the U.S., with some export capacity to Latin America and Canada. ImportYeti and Panjiva data indicate:
- Over 2,000 SKUs imported annually
- Partnerships with 200+ Japanese vendors
- Weekly shipments from ports in Kobe, Osaka, and Yokohama
- High-volume inbound product categories include sake, frozen seafood, and ramen components
Their logistics system ensures temperature-controlled delivery for perishable goods within 24–48 hours in metro areas.
Certifications and Compliance
The company operates with the highest standards of food safety and compliance:
- FDA-registered and HACCP-compliant facilities
- Organic and Kosher certifications for select product lines
- Liquor license and regulatory compliance for alcoholic beverages across multiple U.S. states
- Eco-labeling initiatives for sustainably sourced seafood and packaging
Mutual Trading also adheres to FSMA protocols for traceability and import safety verification.
Financial Overview
As a private company, Mutual Trading does not publish revenue figures. However, industry analysts estimate:
- Annual revenue: USD $250 million to $400 million
- Sake sales: Account for approximately 20% of total revenue
- Market share: Among the top 3 Japanese foodservice importers in the U.S.
- Employee base: Over 700 staff nationwide
Their consistent growth is supported by increasing consumer demand for Japanese cuisine and a growing network of Japanese restaurant openings.
Customer Testimonials
Mutual Trading is widely trusted by top chefs and restaurateurs:
“The gold standard for Japanese imports. Their products, service, and logistics are unmatched.” – Executive Chef, Michelin-starred Sushi Restaurant, NYC
“Our sake program wouldn’t exist without Mutual Trading’s expertise. Their team knows the product better than anyone in the U.S.” – Beverage Director, LA
“Their MTC Kitchen store is a haven for serious chefs. I source my knives and plating tools exclusively from them.” – Ramen Shop Owner, San Francisco
Major Achievements
- Founded in 1926, making it one of the oldest Japanese food companies in the U.S.
- Creator of the Sake School of America, which has certified over 2,000 professionals
- Hosts the annual Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo in Los Angeles, drawing over 2,500 attendees
- Strategic partnerships with top Japanese brands like Kikkoman, Yamasa, Asahi, Kubota Sake, and JFC
- Launched MTC Kitchen online store, now a top-tier resource for Japanese chef tools in the U.S.
Mutual Trading Co., Inc. continues to be the backbone of Japanese culinary excellence in America, offering comprehensive solutions for sourcing, education, and kitchen execution that empower chefs and restaurateurs across the continent.
