Toho

Basic Information

Stock Code
8142
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Food Wholesalers
Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture
Establishment Year
October 1947
Listing Year
September 1983
Official Website
https://www.to-ho.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Toho is a leading comprehensive food wholesaler headquartered in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, founded in 1947. It operates foodservice wholesale and supermarket businesses, and pursues diversified operations under a holding company structure.

Current Situation

In the fiscal year ended January 2020, Toho achieved consolidated sales of 231.2 billion yen and net assets of 24.6 billion yen, holding a major position in the food wholesale industry. Its core business is foodservice wholesale, maintaining a stable supply system centered on the restaurant industry, while also operating community-based supermarkets. From 2023 to 2024, it transferred supermarket operations to several external companies, advancing business restructuring. It also imports and manufactures foodservice cooking equipment and other items, promoting diversification. The company focuses on sustainability, emphasizing contributions to local communities as its corporate philosophy. It plans to close non-transferred stores by 2025, aiming to improve operational efficiency. Moving forward, it will focus on strengthening foodservice wholesale and developing new businesses.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Company name derives from combining founder's name and Fukuoka branch signboard 'East Bee'.
  • Private brand 'EAST BEE' is a direct translation of its etymology.
  • Developed as a comprehensive food wholesaler since founding in 1947.
  • Remained on Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market even after delisting from Fukuoka Stock Exchange.
  • Community-specialized services based in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
  • Undergoing business restructuring through store transfers since 2023.
  • Diversified management also handling foodservice cooking equipment.
  • One of the few wholesalers with a software development subsidiary.
  • Expands not only food sales but also construction and equipment.
  • Many transfer-targeted stores exist around headquarters in Higashinada Ward.
  • Collaborations with regional supermarkets like Misugiya, Godai, and Chubu Yakuhin.
  • Some stores after transfer converted to drugstores.
  • Employee stock ownership association holds a certain shareholding ratio.
  • Adopts holding company structure as a battling domestic major.
  • Despite founding in 1947, deploys flexible management strategies.

Hidden Connections

  • Kokubu Group headquarters has established a capital relationship as a major shareholder.
  • Capital and business alliance with Baro Holdings dissolved in 2023, but multiple negotiations continue within the distribution industry.
  • Strong network with local Kobe companies, selecting regionally focused firms as transfer recipients.
  • Strengthened synergy creation among group companies through holding company structure.
  • Deep competitive and related ties with industry major Kobe Bussan, also sharing stock code proximity at 3038.
  • Enters wide areas like logistics, cooking equipment, and agriculture through abundant affiliates.
  • Accelerating cooperative relationships with local retailers through store transfers and closures.
  • Concentration of headquarters and business sites in Higashinada Ward evidences community-based strategy.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable expansion of foodservice food market
  • Increasing demand for school meals and nursing care in aging society
  • Customer base expansion through strengthened community-based services
  • Improved competitiveness via logistics efficiency and IT utilization
  • Growing needs for advanced food safety and quality management
  • Business model diversification and new business development
  • Enhanced social evaluation of environmentally considerate management
  • Supply stabilization through strengthened ties with contracted farmers
  • Increasing demand for new technologies in cooking equipment market
  • Selective optimization of food supermarket business

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 300 billion yen in foodservice food wholesale sales
  • Realize improved profitability and efficient management across the group
  • Deepen community-based management and strengthen customer loyalty
  • Diversify revenue through new formats after store transfers
  • Promote reforms via digitalization and automation of logistics systems
  • Build sustainable procurement system and reduce environmental impact
  • Aggressive investment and growth strategies in new business fields
  • Strengthen promotion of food loss reduction and environmental protection activities
  • Advance employee diversity and work style reforms
  • Expand CSR activities through co-creation with local communities

Business Segments

Foodservice Food Wholesale

Overview
Provides high-quality, stably supplied foodservice foods to the restaurant industry and various facilities.
Competitiveness
Rapid response to customer needs through an extensive distribution network and community-based service system.
Customers
  • Restaurant Chains
  • School Meal Providers
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals and Nursing Facilities
  • Schools and Educational Institutions
  • Employee Cafeteria Operators
  • Restaurants
  • Food Processors
  • Retailers
  • Event Catering
Products
  • Frozen Meats
  • Frozen Seafood
  • Processed Foods
  • Foodservice Prepared Foods
  • Frozen Vegetables
  • Seasoning Products
  • Foodservice Cooking Ingredients
  • Frozen Bread Products
  • Beverages
  • Ingredient Sets

Cash and Carry Wholesale Services

Overview
Meets a wide range of customer needs with a cash-and-carry immediate purchase format.
Competitiveness
Guarantees rapid product provision through immediate sales at stores.
Customers
  • Restaurant Owners
  • Small Retail Stores
  • SME Cafeterias
  • Event Organizers
  • Individually Owned Restaurants
Products
  • Fresh Fish
  • Fresh Meats
  • Vegetables
  • Frozen Foods
  • Confectionery

Construction and Facility Management

Overview
Provides construction works and facility management services for food-related facilities.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive contracting services well-versed in food industry needs.
Customers
  • Food Factories
  • Store Owners
  • Distribution Centers
  • Logistics Companies
  • Group Companies
Products
  • New Store Construction
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Facility Renovation
  • Store Design and Construction

Software Development and Maintenance

Overview
Implements optimized system development and maintenance for food wholesale and distribution.
Competitiveness
Customization capabilities based on industry knowledge.
Customers
  • Wholesalers
  • Retailers
  • Logistics Companies
  • Restaurant Chains
  • Manufacturers
Products
  • Sales Management Systems
  • Inventory Management Software
  • Customer Management Systems
  • Order Processing Systems

Equipment Import and Sales

Overview
Expands import and sales of high-quality domestic and international commercial equipment.
Competitiveness
Proprietary procurement routes and repair service system.
Customers
  • Restaurants
  • Confectioners
  • Food Processors
  • Cafes and Coffee Shops
  • Hotels
Products
  • Commercial Cooking Equipment
  • Coffee Machines
  • Confectionery Equipment
  • Refrigeration and Freezer Equipment

Produce Production and Sales

Overview
Engages in production and distribution of high-quality produce in collaboration with contracted farmers.
Competitiveness
Integrated management from production to sales.
Customers
  • Retail Chains
  • Food Processing Companies
  • Restaurants
  • Contracted Farmers
  • Processed Food Manufacturers
Products
  • Fresh Vegetables
  • Organic Produce
  • Directly Shipped Products
  • Processing Raw Materials

Logistics Services

Overview
Manages product freshness and delivery times with efficient logistics services.
Competitiveness
Community-based rapid delivery system.
Customers
  • Group Companies
  • Wholesalers
  • Retail Stores
  • Restaurant Chains
Products
  • Food Delivery
  • Warehouse Management
  • Logistics Center Operations

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic largest in foodservice food wholesale
  • Possesses diverse sales channels
  • Strong customer base through community focus
  • Diversified management via holding company
  • Abundant product lineup
  • Stable supply chain
  • Long industry experience and trust
  • Community-based supermarket business
  • Handling of diverse foodservice cooking equipment
  • Nationwide logistics network
  • Strong ties with contracted farmers and producers
  • Advanced quality control system
  • Ample capital and asset base
  • Employee expertise and long service years
  • Proven track record in smooth business restructuring

Competitive Advantages

  • Overwhelming market share and trust in foodservice ingredient wholesale
  • Comprehensive food support through wide group companies
  • High customer loyalty in community-based supermarket business
  • Risk diversification and revenue stabilization through multi-sector expansion
  • Rapid product supply via robust logistics
  • Differentiation effect from proprietary brand 'EAST BEE'
  • Strict compliance with food safety and quality standards
  • Strategic implementation of business transfers and restructuring with long-term view
  • Customer-centric services and flexible need response
  • Convenience enhancement through one-stop provision of cooking equipment and related products
  • Stable financial base and proactive investment capability
  • Strong community collaboration system
  • Product and service provision capability to diverse customer segments
  • Enhanced competitive edge through group synergies
  • Agile management operations under holding company structure

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in food industry leading to price pressure
  • Cost increases due to strengthened food safety regulations
  • Demand shifts from changing consumer health trends
  • Succession issues and talent acquisition difficulties
  • Risk of sharp raw material cost rises
  • Supermarket industry restructuring and competitor expansion
  • Logistics disruptions from natural disasters
  • Distribution innovations by new entrants and IT companies
  • Foodservice industry downturn from pandemic outbreaks
  • Operational pressure from rising land prices and labor costs
  • Growing societal demands for food waste reduction
  • Import price risks from exchange rate fluctuations

Innovations

2023: Capital and Business Alliance with Baro Holdings (Dissolved Afterward)

Overview
Explored collaboration in supermarket business with Baro Holdings in Gifu Prefecture.
Impact
Contributed to forming the foundation for supermarket business restructuring.

2024: Partial Transfer and Business Format Conversion of Toho Store Operations

Overview
Transferred some stores to Baro Holdings, Misugiya, Godai, and Chubu Yakuhin, advancing format conversion.
Impact
Achieved store efficiency and concentration of management resources.

2021: Expansion in Foodservice Cooking Equipment Field

Overview
Strengthened import, manufacturing, and sales system in collaboration with FMI.
Impact
Succeeded in increasing equipment sales revenue.

2022: Advancement of Advanced Information Systems

Overview
Improved IT infrastructure by grouping Systems Consultant.
Impact
Contributed to distribution management efficiency and customer service improvement.

2024: Strengthening Community-Based Services

Overview
Built fresh ingredient supply system in collaboration with local farmers and retailers.
Impact
Achieved improved customer satisfaction and regional economic contribution.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of local production for local consumption through regional agriculture support
  • Advancement of food loss reduction activities
  • Promotion of environmentally friendly packaging adoption
  • Employee health promotion and workplace environment improvement
  • Job creation and educational support for local communities
  • CO2 reduction through logistics efficiency
  • Establishment of procurement standards considering environmental conservation
  • Strengthened collaboration with sustainable fisheries and agriculture
  • Enhanced food safety management systems
  • Regular implementation of social contribution activities
  • Promotion of energy-saving equipment introduction
  • Initiatives for diverse talent utilization