The Umaji Village Agricultural Cooperative, based in Umaji Village, Aki District, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, is a nationally renowned agribusiness organization specializing in the cultivation, processing, and global marketing of yuzu citrus and yuzu-based products. With over four decades of experience, the cooperative has transformed a once-declining mountain village into a thriving agritourism and specialty product hub rooted in sustainable, organic agriculture.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Umaji Cooperative operates across three principal business categories:
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Yuzu Juice & Culinary Spices:
- Organic yuzu juice (salted and unsalted)
- Yuzu shibori (pressed yuzu juice)
- Yuzu kosho (yuzu chili paste)
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Condiments & Beverages:
- "Yuzu no Mura" ponzu (yuzu-infused soy sauce)
- "Gokkun Umajimura" yuzu drink (flagship product with over 5 million bottles sold annually)
- Yuzu tea paste
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Skincare and Wellness Products:
- "umaji basic" and "umaji plus" skincare lines
- Yuzu seed oil, cleansing oil, serum, toner, and creams
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Gifts and Specialty Foods:
- Yuzu jam, marmalade
- Yuzu sweets and confections
- Decorative gift sets for retail and corporate markets
These products are marketed under the cooperative’s well-known brands: Yuzu no Mura, Gokkun Umajimura, umaji basic, and umaji plus.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Umaji Cooperative’s success is built on a strong foundation of sustainability, traceability, and premium quality. Their unique selling propositions include:
- Organic Farming: With more than 10 certified growers under the JAS Organic certification scheme, Umaji is a pioneer in chemical-free yuzu farming.
- Vertical Integration: The cooperative manages all stages from cultivation and processing to packaging and distribution.
- Local Identity and Tourism: Umaji Village is recognized as the cultural heart of Japan’s yuzu industry, boosting domestic tourism through product branding.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Leveraging yuzu not only for food but for cosmetics and lifestyle products, ensuring cross-sector revenue resilience.
Financial and Operational Insights
As of the latest available reports:
- Annual revenue exceeds ¥3 billion (~$20 million USD)
- Over 800 metric tons of yuzu are harvested annually
- Employs approximately 200 full-time and seasonal workers
- Products are sold in over 500 retail stores across Japan and exported to select markets in Europe and Asia
The cooperative continues to reinvest into facilities, R&D, and regional development initiatives, helping stabilize the rural economy of Umaji.
Export and Market Reach
Umaji Cooperative has increased its global presence via:
- Direct export of juice and essential oils to European natural food and cosmetic producers
- Partnerships with Japanese embassies and trade bodies to promote regional specialties
- Online sales through multilingual platforms targeting global Japanese food enthusiasts
The cooperative also supplies ingredients to luxury skincare brands and boutique restaurants in Japan and overseas.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
- State-of-the-art processing facilities for juice extraction and essential oil distillation
- In-house R&D center focused on cosmetic applications of yuzu oil
- Dedicated tourism and education center for agritourism programs
- E-commerce and logistics platform integrated with major domestic delivery networks
Certifications and Compliance
- JAS Organic Certification for select yuzu orchards
- Compliance with Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS)
- GMP-aligned practices for skincare product lines
- Active participant in national branding initiatives like "Chiiki Okoshi Kyōryokutai" (Regional Revitalization)
Digital and Media Presence
These platforms promote Umaji’s story, brand values, and seasonal product releases.
Major Achievements
- Successfully revived a rural village economy through yuzu specialization
- "Gokkun Umajimura" named one of Japan’s most popular regional beverages
- Recipient of multiple awards for rural innovation and agricultural branding
- Featured in national and international media including NHK, Japan Rail Club, and Nippon.com
The Umaji Village Agricultural Cooperative is a model for sustainable, community-led agribusiness that combines heritage, innovation, and global market strategy to create value far beyond its geographic scale.
