Imuraya Group

Basic Information

Stock Code
2209
Industry
Food Products
Category Detail
Food Manufacturing
Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
Establishment Year
April 1947
Listing Year
October 1961
Official Website
https://www.imuraya-group.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Morinaga Seika, Nakamuraya, Ezaki Glico, Bourbon, Fujiya, Kanro, Kameda Seika, Kotobuki Spirits, Koikeya, Calbee, B-R 31 Ice Cream, Fujicco, Senba Tokka

Overview

Imuraya Group is a long-established food products company founded in 1947, centered on azuki-related products, developing a diverse range of confectionery and food items, and holding a high market share as a national brand.

Current Situation

Imuraya Group achieved consolidated sales of 51.121 billion yen and operating profit of 3.005 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2025, maintaining stable performance. Core products such as azuki bars and Chinese steamed buns, along with frozen desserts and confectionery, account for the majority of sales, dominating the domestic market. In recent years, it has entered the sake production business to diversify. In technological innovation, it is utilizing generative AI for new recipe development, enhancing quality improvement and new product creation. Environmentally, it has established a sustainable production system through ISO14001 and ISO9001 certifications. Moving forward, it aims to expand into domestic and international markets leveraging its brand power and product diversity, with digitalization and sustainability promotion as key challenges. Under a female president, it focuses on nurturing young executives and business expansion. It has branches and manufacturing sites nationwide, securing stable sales channels.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The Azuki Bar has been a long-selling product since its launch in the 1980s.
  • Immediately after removal from the freezer, it is extremely hard, evaluated as harder than sapphire.
  • Azuki Bar is a national brand sold in over 90% of supermarkets nationwide.
  • JASDF Yokan is a special non-commercial yokan co-developed with the Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing.
  • Imuraya's corporate mark expresses 'the bond between mother and child.'
  • Azuki Bars were distributed at an event for traditional Japanese sword forging, fostering exchange.
  • Holds operating rights for Anna Miller's in the Japanese market.
  • Certified by the Japan Anniversary Association: March 1 as 'Azuki Day' and July 1 as 'Azuki Bar Day.'

Hidden Connections

  • Special connection developing exclusive yokan in collaboration with the Air Self-Defense Force.
  • Azuki Bars presented at collaboration event with traditional crafts in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture.
  • Deep ties with dining brands through operation of Anna Miller's stores.
  • Strong local material linkages through entry into sake production in Mie Prefecture.
  • Its frozen technology for products is attracting attention as a unique technology in the industry.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • High brand recognition in Japanese confectionery and frozen dessert markets
  • Expansion of demand for health-oriented foods in Japan
  • Innovative product development using generative AI
  • Growth of sake business leveraging local resources
  • Sales enhancement through expansion of domestic distribution network
  • Corporate value enhancement through SDGs and sustainability initiatives

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve sales exceeding 60 billion yen
  • Complete full introduction of sustainable packaging
  • Achieve 30% ratio of new products using AI
  • Profitability and market expansion of sake business
  • Achieve over 30% female managers ratio
  • Improve brand recognition domestically and internationally

Business Segments

Business Food Supply

Overview
Business supplying food for dining out and retail.
Competitiveness
Abundant product lineup and stable supply capacity
Customers
  • Restaurant Chains
  • Convenience Stores
  • Department Store Food Sections
  • Food Processors
  • School Lunch Providers
Products
  • Frozen Chinese Steamed Buns
  • Business Yokan
  • Business Frozen Desserts
  • Condiments
  • Food Raw Materials

Overseas Food Sales

Overview
Promoting exports of Japanese food and confectionery to overseas markets.
Competitiveness
Providing high-quality foods rooted in Japanese culture
Customers
  • Retailers in Asia
  • Japanese Restaurants in the US
  • Food Importers/Exporters
Products
  • Japanese Confectionery
  • Frozen Desserts
  • Frozen Foods

OEM Manufacturing Contracts

Overview
OEM manufacturing services for diverse customers.
Competitiveness
Flexible responsiveness and manufacturing technology
Customers
  • Other Food Manufacturers
  • Retail Brands
  • Local Government Specialty Product Promotion Projects
Products
  • Confectionery OEM
  • Chinese Steamed Bun OEM
  • Azuki Processed Foods

Raw Material Supply

Overview
Business supplying high-quality raw materials.
Competitiveness
Stable procurement of raw materials and quality control
Customers
  • Food Processors
  • Confectionery Manufacturers
  • Beverage Manufacturers
Products
  • Azuki Processed Raw Materials
  • Condiment Materials
  • Frozen Dessert Raw Materials

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Product lineup centered on azuki
  • Strong national brand power
  • Nationwide network of sales and manufacturing bases
  • Long years of food manufacturing know-how and technology
  • Group management under holding company structure

Competitive Advantages

  • Superiority in unique frozen dessert market centered on azuki bar
  • Strong relationships with mature distribution channels
  • High market share in condiments and Chinese steamed buns
  • Acquisition of international standards certifications for food safety and quality control
  • Risk diversification possible through diversified business

Threats

  • New product offensives from competitors in the food market
  • Changes in consumer preferences due to health consciousness
  • Risk of raw material price fluctuations
  • Rising manufacturing costs due to labor shortages
  • Constraints on product development from strengthened regulations
  • Supply chain disruptions from natural disasters

Innovations

2023: New Recipe Development Using Generative AI

Overview
Utilizing generative AI technology to create new product recipes for different channels.
Impact
Improved development efficiency and shortened time to market

2021: Entry into Sake Business

Overview
Launch of sake 'Fukuwa-zou' developed using Mie Prefecture sake rice.
Impact
Contributes to new market development and brand diversification

2022: ISO14001 Renewal Certification Obtained

Overview
Achieved continuous improvement of environmental management system.
Impact
Reduced environmental impact and improved corporate image

2020: Introduction of Energy-Saving Manufacturing Equipment

Overview
Improved energy efficiency in manufacturing processes through introduction of latest equipment.
Impact
CO2 emissions reduction and cost savings

Sustainability

  • Maintenance of ISO14001 environmental management certification
  • Efforts to reduce plastic packaging
  • Energy efficiency improvements and resource conservation promotion
  • Support for environmental education in local communities
  • Waste reduction activities in manufacturing processes
  • Employee environmental awareness programs
  • Reduction of food loss through improved product long-term preservability
  • Social contributions through CSR activities