Suzumo International Corporation is a global leader in sushi automation technology, headquartered in Torrance, California. As the U.S. subsidiary of Suzumo Machinery Co., Ltd.—the Japanese company that invented the world’s first sushi robot—Suzumo International delivers cutting-edge food processing equipment that supports commercial-scale sushi production while maintaining artisanal quality. With decades of innovation and precision engineering, Suzumo has revolutionized how sushi is made across retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors.
Company Background
Established in the United States to serve North American markets, Suzumo International Corporation leverages the legacy of its Japanese parent company founded in 1961. Suzumo developed the world’s first automatic sushi maker in 1981, marking a pivotal moment in food automation history. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with high-performance sushi robots used by global restaurant chains, supermarkets, convenience stores, and institutional kitchens.
Core Business & Offerings
Suzumo specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-efficiency sushi-making equipment. Its product range includes:
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Sushi Rice Preparation Machines:
- SHARIKKA Cooked Rice Mixer: Ensures even vinegar distribution and optimal rice texture.
- Rice Sheet Making Machine: Forms consistent rice sheets for rolls and wraps.
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Roll Sushi Machines:
- SVR-NXA: High-speed sushi roll production with adjustable settings.
- SVR-BXA: Compact version ideal for smaller operations.
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Nigiri Sushi Machines:
- SSF-CXA: Accurately forms hand-pressed-style nigiri rice balls at scale.
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Onigiri Machines:
- ST-77SGN/SNS: For shaped and filled rice balls, widely used in convenience and bento production.
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Rice Serving Machines:
- MCR-ASB: Automatic rice ball dispensers for fast-paced foodservice environments.
Each machine is designed for hygiene, durability, and consistency, with intuitive operation and minimal maintenance requirements.
Specialization and USP
Suzumo's core strength lies in its precision robotics, Japanese engineering, and specialization in rice-based food processing. Key USPs include:
- World’s First Sushi Robot Manufacturer: Industry pioneer with over 40 years of technological evolution.
- Made in Japan: All machines are designed and built under strict Japanese quality standards.
- Plug-and-Play Automation: Machines are easy to install, require minimal training, and integrate seamlessly into production workflows.
- Versatility and Consistency: Capable of replicating hand-formed sushi with exact portioning and repeatable results.
Suzumo’s solutions cater to both mass production facilities and boutique operations seeking quality and scalability.
Financial Highlights
While detailed financials are not publicly available, Suzumo's global presence and continued investment in product development indicate robust performance:
- Deployed in over 60 countries, with thousands of units sold annually across supermarkets, sushi chains, and food manufacturers.
- Trusted by major clients including Whole Foods Market, Costco, Kroger, and YO! Sushi.
- Estimated to support the preparation of millions of sushi units per day globally.
Shipment and Market Reach
Suzumo International supports North American customers through direct sales, authorized distributors, and certified service technicians:
- U.S. and Canada Coverage: Headquarters in California with warehousing and parts support.
- Latin America and Caribbean Expansion: Recent deployments in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
- Global Integration: Sister offices and affiliates in Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Equipment is typically shipped with installation support, training, and long-term service contracts.
Target Market
- Supermarkets and Grocery Chains
- Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)
- Food Manufacturers and Central Kitchens
- Hotels, Resorts, and Institutional Caterers
- Convenience Stores and Bento Operations
Suzumo also serves OEM partners and offers private-label and co-branded automation solutions.
Capabilities
- High-Capacity Production: Machines capable of producing up to 4,000 nigiri/hour or 1,200 rolls/hour.
- Customization Options: Adjustable settings for size, compression, and shape.
- Food Safety Engineering: NSF and CE-compliant designs with easy-to-clean components.
- After-Sales Support: Maintenance, parts supply, and operator training services.
Certifications and Compliance
- NSF Certified for foodservice safety compliance in the U.S.
- CE Marked for international standards in equipment safety.
- Fully compliant with FDA guidelines for food contact equipment.
- Designed in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards.
Customer Testimonials
- “Suzumo helped us scale from a single-location operation to 200 stores while maintaining handmade-quality sushi.” — VP of Operations, National Sushi Chain
- “Our prep time dropped by 70% after implementing the SVR-NXA. It’s now the core of our kitchen.” — Executive Chef, Upscale Hotel Group
Achievements
- Recognized as the global leader in sushi-making automation by food industry trade associations.
- Machines featured at National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, Seafood Expo North America, and Japan Food Show USA.
- Pioneered sushi robots showcased in airports, stadiums, and robotic food kiosks.
- Installed at over 5,000 supermarket sushi counters globally.
Suzumo International Corporation continues to lead the automation of sushi and rice-based food preparation through unmatched engineering, innovation, and support—empowering foodservice operators to deliver artisanal quality at industrial scale.
