Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Wakou Shokuhin Co., Ltd. is a prominent Japanese manufacturer and exporter of traditional soup bases, sauces, and natural food extracts. Located in Otaru, Hokkaido, the company blends culinary heritage with modern food technology to supply authentic Japanese flavors to both domestic and international markets.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

Wakou Shokuhin’s operations center around the development and manufacturing of:

• Soup Bases:

  • Ramen Soup: Various styles including tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso
  • Miso Soup
  • Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) Soup
  • Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Soup

• Sauces:

  • Tare Sauce: Used in grilling, ramen, and dipping applications
  • Seasoning Sauces: Customized for Japanese, Chinese, and fusion cuisines

• Natural Extracts:

  • Seafood Extracts: Derived from ingredients like bonito, sardines, and kelp
  • Vegetable Extracts: For vegetarian and health-conscious formulations

• Other Products:

  • Menma: Fermented bamboo shoots, a traditional ramen topping
  • Oyster Products: Including oyster sauces and concentrates

These products serve as foundational ingredients for foodservice kitchens, ramen shops, frozen meal manufacturers, and private-label food brands.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Wakou Shokuhin is renowned for its dedication to authentic taste replication and quality. Their USPs include:

• Use of natural ingredients sourced from the abundant seas and farms of Hokkaido.
• In-house development of customizable flavor profiles for B2B clients.
• Combination of traditional slow extraction techniques with modern food safety systems.

Their soups and sauces are formulated to maintain consistency across commercial food preparation environments, reducing prep time while ensuring authentic Japanese umami-rich flavors.

Financials and Export Footprint

As a privately owned entity, the company does not publicly disclose financial statements. However, based on industry listings and trade directories:

• Wakou Shokuhin is an established supplier for ramen chains across Japan and increasingly in Asian markets, the United States, and Europe.
• The company is actively listed in Japanese export platforms and has featured in food trade fairs such as Foodex Japan and FOOMA.

Their export model focuses on supplying bulk, ready-to-use soup concentrates and base sauces to food manufacturers and restaurant groups abroad.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

The company’s manufacturing facility in Otaru is equipped with:

• Food-grade extraction tanks and filtration systems
• Automated bottling and aseptic filling lines
• Temperature-controlled warehousing and cold chain logistics support

Wakou Shokuhin also has an in-house R&D team working alongside chefs and food scientists to continuously develop and improve formulations for evolving culinary applications.

Certifications and Compliance

Although not publicly listed, food manufacturers of this scale in Japan typically adhere to:

• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management Systems
• HACCP Certification
• Japanese Food Sanitation Law compliance

Such compliance ensures that their products meet international import standards and buyer safety requirements.

Customer Testimonials and Market Recognition

While direct testimonials are not publicly available, the company’s recurring presence in Japanese and international ramen networks indicates a high level of trust. Their products are especially valued for:

• High reproducibility in professional kitchens
• Well-balanced, clean-label ingredients
• Japanese origin and authenticity

Wakou Shokuhin’s long-standing relationships with national ramen brands and OEM partners further confirm its reputation.

Major Achievements

• Recognized supplier to hundreds of ramen shops across Japan.
• Development of a diverse product line addressing both traditional and modern flavor demands.
• Sustained business operations from Hokkaido’s culinary hub, supplying products across Japan and overseas.

Wakou Shokuhin Co., Ltd. continues to build on its legacy by innovating with natural extracts and umami-rich base ingredients, positioning itself as a trusted bridge between Japan’s traditional cuisine and the global foodservice industry.