Product Offerings
Products:
Bonito Flakes: Hana-Katsuo, Katsuobushi
Dashi Broth: Traditional Japanese Umami Stock
Dried Fish Powder: Umami Seasoning
Yamaki USA, Inc., based in Forest Grove, Oregon, is a premier manufacturer and distributor of traditional Japanese seasonings and umami products, specializing in katsuobushi (bonito flakes), dashi broth, and related seafood-based flavor enhancers. As a U.S. subsidiary of Yamaki Co., Ltd.—one of Japan’s most respected names in umami-rich foods—the company serves as a bridge between authentic Japanese culinary tradition and modern North American foodservice and retail markets.
Company Overview
Yamaki USA, Inc. was founded to bring high-quality, authentically crafted Japanese products to the United States, supporting both home cooks and professional chefs seeking genuine umami-rich ingredients. With its strategic production facility in Forest Grove, Oregon, the company ensures local access, reduced shipping times, and full compliance with U.S. food safety standards while preserving the heritage and production techniques rooted in Japan.
Core Product Categories
Yamaki USA’s portfolio centers on traditional Japanese dashi and seasoning ingredients:
- Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi):
- Hana-Katsuo: Premium-grade large bonito flakes
- Thin-Cut and Thick-Cut Flakes for varying intensity and application
- Dashi Broth Packs:
- Convenient tea-bag style sachets for instant umami infusion
- Traditional blends featuring katsuobushi, kombu, and shiitake
- Dried Fish Powder:
- Finely milled seasoning for soups, noodles, dressings, and sauces
All products are made using traditional smoking and fermentation processes, which enhance natural flavor and increase shelf stability.
Manufacturing Excellence
Yamaki USA’s Oregon-based production facility mirrors the rigorous quality systems used in its parent company in Japan:
- FDA-inspected and HACCP-compliant
- Maintains strict hygienic protocols and traceability systems
- Utilizes imported raw katsuobushi blocks processed on-site
- Cold-chain management for sensitive umami compounds
This hybrid domestic-import model ensures authenticity without compromising on freshness or safety.
Certifications & Compliance
The company meets a variety of international food safety standards, including:
- HACCP and FDA FSMA compliance
- ISO 22000 food safety management systems (via parent company protocols)
- Clear allergen labeling and nutritional disclosures
- Product traceability systems from catch to packaging
Yamaki USA also engages in sustainability practices such as responsible sourcing of skipjack tuna and reduced waste processing.
Market Reach & Distribution
Yamaki USA serves a wide range of customer segments:
- Japanese and Asian restaurants across the U.S. and Canada
- Mainstream foodservice operators seeking fusion cuisine solutions
- Retail grocery chains and online specialty food platforms
- R&D and product development teams in packaged food and flavoring industries
Their products are available through direct B2B partnerships as well as wholesale food distributors. E-commerce expansion on platforms like Amazon has also grown in recent years, particularly in response to rising consumer interest in Japanese cooking during the pandemic.
Strategic Positioning
With U.S. consumers increasingly seeking clean-label, umami-rich, and ethnic flavors, Yamaki USA is positioned at the intersection of:
- Authenticity and craftsmanship: Using traditional Japanese techniques
- Convenience: Products adapted for modern kitchens (e.g., dashi packets)
- Flavor innovation: As umami gains traction among chefs and food developers
The company’s educational content, including recipe guides and video tutorials, supports consumer understanding and encourages usage beyond traditional Japanese dishes.
Customer Segments
Yamaki USA targets:
- Professional chefs and restaurants
- Home cooking enthusiasts
- Food manufacturers and R&D labs
- Retailers and specialty stores
- Export markets seeking Japanese ingredients with U.S. certification
Its focus on quality and educational support makes it especially appealing to fine-dining establishments, culinary schools, and premium grocery retailers.
Digital & Media Presence
Yamaki USA maintains an active digital footprint:
- Informative website with product information, usage tips, and downloadable guides
- Presence on LinkedIn for business partnerships and B2B outreach
- Instructional videos on platforms like YouTube showing how to make dashi, prepare traditional dishes, and use katsuobushi in contemporary cuisine
Notable Assets
- Product Catalog: Detailed SKUs and specs for each product line
- Recipe Guide: Culinary professionals can access formatted instructions for menu development
- Brand Heritage: The Yamaki name carries over 100 years of legacy from Japan
Brands Under Yamaki USA
- Yamaki: Master brand for all U.S. operations
- Hana-Katsuo: Premium bonito flakes
- Katsuobushi: Traditional name used for core dried fish offerings
Yamaki USA, Inc. continues to blend centuries-old Japanese flavor heritage with U.S.-based manufacturing and distribution efficiency, establishing itself as the top supplier of authentic umami to the North American market.