The Ajinomoto Group Philosophy in Technologies and Initiatives
Business and Technologies Based on Amino Acid Application
Beginning with the discovery of umami, the founding spirit of the Ajinomoto Group is driven by a desire to explore the essence of great taste and promote healthy lifestyles. Building on this philosophy, the group has been making independent technological developments focused on amino acids for over 100 years with the aim to contribute to people's health.
Amino acids are essential for life. The foundation of the group's business lies in the commercialization of glutamate, an amino acid found in the human body. Since then, breakthroughs in research and development on the nutritional and physiological benefits of glutamate and other amino acids continue to drive the growth of the Ajinomoto Group. Through their application, new technologies have been introduced not only in the area of food products, but also in an array of other fields.
In recent years, an increasing number of these technologies have focused on contributing to environmental sustainability, such as the development of organic fertilizers using co-products generated from the amino acid fermentation process, and livestock feeds using lysine that reduce environmental impact. Measures for comprehensive CO2 emission control from product manufacturing through to customer usage are also being implemented. The combined synergies of these and other original technologies are enabling the Ajinomoto Group to offer unique solutions to the social issues faced by humanity in the 21st century.
The Role of R&D in the Medium-Term Management Plan
In the pursuit of stable and continuous growth, the Ajinomoto Group is working to contribute to three challenges, namely global sustainability, food resources, and healthy living, through its business activities. To drive growth going forward, three strategies have been designated in the Medium-Term Management Plan: to achieve global growth by entering new markets, strengthen R&D leadership, and leverage resources outside the group. The plan also calls for the creation of new value through research and development by concentrating investment in developing the world's best seasonings, and establishing a cutting-edge biotechnology platform.
In its aim to become the world's leading seasoning manufacturer, the Ajinomoto Group will continue extensive research on umami and the other four basic tastes. It will also strive to accumulate technologies in all fields related to uncovering the secrets of great taste, including the effects of aroma and food texture on experiencing taste.
To establish a cutting-edge biotechnology platform, R&D resources will be channeled into biotechnologies that contribute to the sustainability of environment and resources, improve animal and plant nutrition, and can be utilized in advanced medical care and nutrition. These three areas correspond with what the Ajinomoto Group has designated as issues in the 21st century: global sustainability, food resources, and healthy living. Furthermore, the group intends to strengthen its R&D capabilities by establishing a global R&D network and actively promoting an open innovation approach to speed up the pace of results.
R&D expenses in fiscal 2010: 36,906 million yen
Patents secured: Approx. 4,400
21st Century Global Issues to Resolve through R&D
