Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California, is a premier importer, wholesaler, and distributor of authentic Asian food products in North America. As a subsidiary of the Nishimoto Wismettac Group, which was founded in 1912 in Kobe, Japan, Wismettac has established itself as a critical bridge between Asia and global markets, delivering high-quality, culturally rooted food products to retailers, restaurants, and institutional clients across the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Core Business and Offerings
Wismettac Asian Foods specializes in the distribution of Japanese and other Asian food items, serving as a one-stop solution for Asian cuisine needs. The company’s extensive product catalog includes pantry staples, frozen goods, beverages, specialty items, and non-food products sourced from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
Key Product Categories
- Japanese Food Products: Rice, noodles, miso, soy sauce, snacks, condiments, seasonings, and frozen delicacies.
- Asian Food Products: Pan-Asian sauces, spices, snacks, desserts, and fresh and frozen prepared meals.
- Private Brands: Leading the portfolio is Shirakiku, a flagship brand offering over 1,000 SKUs across dry, refrigerated, and frozen categories.
- Sake and Beverages: A curated range of Japanese sake, soft drinks, and teas.
- Gift and Specialty Items: Bento boxes, seasonal items, and culturally relevant food gifts.
- Foodservice Essentials: Bulk ingredients, sauces, and supplies for restaurants and institutional kitchens.
Wismettac is known for its expansive product selection, reliable distribution network, and commitment to cultural authenticity.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Wismettac’s value proposition lies in its deep-rooted expertise in Asian cuisine, combined with over a century of international trade experience. Its key strengths include:
- End-to-End Import/Distribution Chain: Streamlined operations from sourcing to last-mile delivery.
- In-House Quality Assurance and R&D: Product testing, regulatory compliance, and new product development.
- Multi-Channel Distribution: Serves ethnic and mainstream grocery chains, foodservice operators, online retailers, and institutional buyers.
- Cultural Authenticity: Exclusive import rights for many traditional brands and foods with deep ties to regional producers in Asia.
The company’s extensive catalog and heritage-backed sourcing relationships make it the go-to supplier for authentic Asian foods in North America.
Target Market
Wismettac serves a wide-ranging customer base across sectors:
- Ethnic and Mainstream Retailers: Asian grocery stores, supermarket chains, club stores.
- Foodservice Operators: Japanese and Asian cuisine restaurants, sushi bars, and fast casual dining outlets.
- Institutional Buyers: School districts, hospitals, and military commissaries.
- Private Label Buyers: Businesses looking for customized Asian food product lines.
Financial Performance
As a subsidiary of Nishimoto Wismettac Group, which reported global revenues exceeding $1 billion, Wismettac Asian Foods plays a significant role in the company’s North American operations. The U.S. branch operates out of 10+ regional distribution centers, ensuring comprehensive market coverage.
While specific U.S. financials are not public, industry sources estimate annual revenues for Wismettac Asian Foods in the range of $250 million to $400 million, positioning it among the top Asian food distributors in North America.
Shipment and Distribution
With a robust logistics network, Wismettac operates multiple cold storage and dry goods warehouses strategically located across the U.S. and Canada. Key distribution strengths include:
- Coast-to-Coast Delivery: Fulfillment from regional hubs in California, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, and Georgia.
- Cold Chain Logistics: Maintains freshness for perishable items with refrigerated transport and warehousing.
- B2B and Wholesale Fulfillment: High-volume pallet shipments and customized LTL options.
The company fulfills thousands of weekly orders, supplying both independent stores and national retail chains.
Capabilities
- 100+ years of international trade experience
- 10+ U.S.-based distribution centers and warehouses
- 1,000+ branded SKUs under Shirakiku and partner brands
- HACCP and FDA-compliant operations
- Bilingual sales and customer support teams for cultural and culinary consultation
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Registered Importer
- HACCP-Compliant Facilities
- GFSI Certification for select distribution sites
- Kosher and Halal Options available across multiple categories
- Traceability Programs ensuring product origin verification and food safety
Wismettac maintains a proactive quality assurance program to meet evolving regulatory requirements in the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
Customer Testimonials
Wismettac is trusted by major retailers and independent restaurants alike:
"We’ve partnered with Wismettac for over a decade. Their consistent supply and product variety make them essential to our business."
"The Shirakiku brand delivers both authenticity and quality—our customers love it."
Such testimonials reflect Wismettac’s reliability and commitment to culinary authenticity.
Major Achievements
- Over 100 years in global food trade, operating under the Nishimoto brand since 1912.
- Established Shirakiku as a top Asian grocery brand in North America.
- Maintains exclusive distributor relationships with multiple Japanese food producers.
- Successfully pivoted to meet growing e-commerce and non-traditional retail demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Active in community engagement and cultural event sponsorships supporting Asian-American communities.
Wismettac Asian Foods continues to lead in delivering authentic, high-quality Asian food experiences to North American consumers, driven by deep cultural roots, expansive logistics, and a dedication to quality and innovation.