Marudai Foods

Basic Information

Stock Code
2288
Industry
Food Products
Category Detail
Food Manufacturing
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
June 1958
Listing Year
June 1963
Official Website
http://www.marudai.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Prima, Fukudome H, Takizawa Ham, Ishii Foods, Welldish

Overview

Marudai Foods is a semi-major player in the processed meat industry founded in 1958, centering on ham and sausage production, and operates as a processed food manufacturer leveraging its regional sales network.

Current Situation

Marudai Foods recorded consolidated sales of approximately 245.8 billion yen and 1,938 consolidated employees in the fiscal year ended March 2020. Its mainstay products are processed meats such as ham, sausages, and wieners, and it also operates in processed foods and prepared dishes. Competitors in the processed meat industry include Prima Ham and Nippon Ham, with Marudai holding about 6th place in market share among industry leaders. In recent years, it has focused on establishing a new factory in Miyagi Prefecture and strengthening its product lineup, while enhancing its sales structure utilizing its regional sales network. It emphasizes food safety and quality control, with its flagship wieners having won the Monde Selection Grand Gold Award multiple times, contributing to improved brand recognition. It also considers environmental aspects and CSR activities, engaging in regional contribution initiatives and new product development through collaborations. Going forward, challenges include product differentiation, diversification of sales channels, and establishing efficient production systems amid intensifying market competition.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Flagship product is the Smoked House Aged Wiener, which has won the Monde Selection Grand Gold Award multiple times
  • Launched instant ramen in the 1980s but discontinued production due to failure to gain share
  • Has long produced character sausages for Toei hero dramas
  • Famous CM phrase: 'It's okay to be mischievous, grow up strong'
  • Founded in Fukushima Ward, Osaka City; headquarters now in Takatsuki City
  • Was one of the companies targeted in threats related to the Glico-Morinaga case
  • Operates multiple factories nationwide, from Hokkaido to Kyushu
  • Conducted product recalls in 2008 due to melamine contamination suspicions in Chinese milk
  • Diversified food offerings from fish sausages to prepared dishes and retort curry
  • Character products enjoy enduring popularity in the children's market
  • Official website was temporarily closed but has been revived
  • Many products feature collaborations with in-house developed characters
  • History of featuring famous athletes and celebrities in CMs
  • Known as a sponsor of popular TV Asahi programs
  • Strong in gift market with abundant gift product lineup

Hidden Connections

  • Long-term collaboration with Toei hero series gives strong recognition among tokusatsu fans
  • Former Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo mentioned 'This is Shinjo from Marudai Ham' in a CM
  • Contributes to regional economies through manufacturing and sales networks via subsidiaries nationwide
  • Stably supplies processed meat products to government offices and school lunches
  • Fuses food marketing and entertainment through various character products
  • Rare company with listing experience not only on Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime but also Frankfurt Stock Exchange
  • Has strengthened food safety management based on experiences with product recalls and threats
  • Contributes to food distribution reform in local markets through diverse sales channels

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for low-salt, low-fat products due to health trends
  • Expansion into younger demographics via character collaborations
  • Maintaining stable customer base through regional sales
  • Product differentiation and quality improvement via new meat processing tech
  • Increased sales opportunities through EC and mail-order expansion
  • New growth via overseas market entry
  • Improved consumer evaluation through eco-friendly packaging
  • Development and strengthened partnerships for B2B products
  • Leveraging digital transformation
  • Development and promotion of products for aging society

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain domestic share and further strengthen regional sales network
  • Expand new character products to grow children's market
  • Reduce product environmental impact and promote sustainable packaging
  • Promote digital expansion aiming for over 20% EC channel sales
  • Explore overseas expansion and strengthen alliances
  • Expand international certifications for safety and quality standards
  • Reduce environmental impact through renewable energy utilization
  • Improve employee work-life balance and promote diversity
  • Optimize manufacturing and sales to reduce food loss
  • Expand food education and health promotion activities in collaboration with local communities

Business Segments

Processed Meat Wholesale

Overview
Wholesale business stably supplying processed meat products to business customers.
Competitiveness
Extensive sales network and robust logistics system
Customers
  • Food Supermarkets
  • Commercial Food Wholesalers
  • Restaurant Chains
  • School Lunch Centers
  • Convenience Stores
Products
  • Ham Product Wholesale
  • Sausage Product Wholesale
  • Fish Paste Products
  • Prepared Dish Processed Products
  • Chilled Foods

Food Processing Contract Manufacturing

Overview
Contract manufacturing business undertaking food processing and packaging for other companies' brands.
Competitiveness
High-quality production management and flexible responsiveness
Customers
  • Major Food Manufacturers
  • Regional Meat Processors
  • Frozen Food Manufacturers
  • School Lunch Related Companies
Products
  • OEM Manufacturing (Ham & Sausage)
  • Prepared Dish Processing Outsourcing
  • Frozen Cooked Food Manufacturing
  • Packaging Processing

Character Food Business

Overview
Planning and sales of meat processed products in collaboration with popular characters.
Competitiveness
Strong character planning capabilities and brand expansion
Customers
  • TV Production Companies
  • Toy Manufacturers
  • Retail Stores
  • Event Operators
Products
  • Character Wieners
  • Character Bento Ingredients
  • Promotional Limited Products

Gift Product Sales

Overview
Sales of gift food products suited to seasons and events.
Competitiveness
Quality control and diverse product lineup
Customers
  • Department Stores
  • Gift Specialty Stores
  • Online Gift Sites
  • Corporate Welfare Staff
Products
  • Assorted Ham Gift Sets
  • Seasonal Limited Gifts
  • Corporate Gift Sets

Frozen & Prepared Dish Ingredient Supply

Overview
Business providing frozen and prepared dish ingredients to supermarkets and food service industries.
Competitiveness
Abundant product variety and stable supply capacity
Customers
  • Supermarket Prepared Dish Departments
  • Restaurant Chain Kitchens
  • Food Processing Companies
  • Convenience Stores
  • Prepared Dish Retailers
Products
  • Frozen Processed Meat Products
  • Prepared Dish Processed Meat
  • Single-Dish Cooking Ingredients

Food Raw Material Sales

Overview
Raw material sales business for meat processing.
Competitiveness
Thorough quality control and traceability
Customers
  • Bread & Confectionery Companies
  • Seasoning Manufacturers
  • Food Processors
Products
  • Livestock Mince
  • Fish Paste
  • Processed Meat Pieces

Regional Logistics Services

Overview
Logistics services supporting from manufacturing to sales.
Competitiveness
Efficient delivery network centered on regional bases
Customers
  • Own Product Stores
  • Partner Wholesalers
  • Supermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
Products
  • Refrigerated & Frozen Food Delivery
  • Food Storage Services

Food Processing Technology Development

Overview
Technology R&D business for product development and safety improvement.
Competitiveness
Accumulated track record and specialized engineers
Customers
  • Own Manufacturing Lines
  • Partner Companies
  • Universities & Research Institutions
Products
  • New Processing Technologies
  • Food Safety Inspections
  • Quality Control Methods

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Diverse product lineup
  • Long market experience and brand recognition
  • Regional sales network
  • High-quality meat processing technology
  • Stable production system
  • Established safety management system
  • New customer segments via character products
  • Utilization of diverse sales channels
  • High adaptability in product development
  • Strong local community-based sales

Competitive Advantages

  • Brand strength as a semi-major industry player
  • Broad market coverage via regional sales network
  • Proven quality with Monde Selection Grand Gold Awards
  • Unique marketing strategy with character products
  • Meets customer needs with diverse product lineup
  • Funding capabilities from Frankfurt Stock Exchange listing
  • Robust production and sales system through multiple subsidiaries
  • Utilization of manufacturing bases by focus region
  • Proactive food safety measures and disclosures
  • Long-term stable customer base

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in meat product market
  • Rising raw material prices and procurement risks
  • Shifts in consumer health preferences
  • Brand damage from safety incidents
  • Increased competition from imported overseas products
  • Production and logistics disruptions from natural disasters
  • Potential cost increases from stricter regulations
  • Domestic market shrinkage due to population decline

Innovations

2024: New Meat Processing Plant in Miyagi Prefecture

Overview
Constructed state-of-the-art meat processing plant to strengthen supply in eastern Japan.
Impact
Contributes to improved production capacity and logistics efficiency

2023: Expansion of Character Product Series

Overview
New launches of popular character products like Kamen Rider series to capture younger demographics.
Impact
Successfully acquired new market segments

2022: Introduction of Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Overview
Developed and introduced eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce plastic usage.
Impact
Reduced environmental impact and improved corporate image

2021: Improvement of Product Freezing Technology

Overview
Renewed freezing technology to maintain product flavor and improve distribution efficiency.
Impact
Enhanced quality and reduced logistics costs

2020: Development of New Retort Foods

Overview
Launched retort curry and Western sauces to meet demand for time-saving cooking.
Impact
Expanded share in home-use market

Sustainability

  • Strict food safety management system
  • Strengthened regional collaboration for local production and consumption
  • Introduction of energy-saving equipment and reduction of greenhouse gases
  • Promotion of waste recycling and reduction activities
  • Active adoption of environmentally friendly packaging
  • Enhanced employee health and safety training
  • Active support for local community activities
  • Strengthened consideration for animal welfare
  • Ethical supply chain operations
  • Product safety audits for improved customer satisfaction