Ajinomoto sees strong growth in PH market amid sustainability push

Japan’s Ajinomoto considers the Philippines one of its biggest markets in the region.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine unit of Japanese multinational food company Ajinomoto said its business in the country has been growing at a “more than double-digit” rate, driven by the expansion in its business portfolio that now includes frozen and instant food products.

Ajinomoto Philippines President Koichi Ozaki said the Philippines was important to the company as it ranks among its top five markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), with Thailand leading the region.

“Thanks to all Filipinos, our business continues to grow year after year,” Ozaki said during the company’s press conference on March 17 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

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“By 2025, we believe we can achieve stable growth for the business,” he added.

The company operates two manufacturing plants: one in Bulacan, established in 1991, and another in Cebu, built in 2004.

In addition to these two facilities, Ozaki said Ajinomoto Philippines also has 26 sales stations across the country.

The company also employs approximately 2,000 people across the country, according to the official.

Amid its strong business performance, the company is ramping up its sustainability efforts.

Ozaki said that they are aiming to reduce their environmental footprint by 50 percent as part of the company’s broader global aim to extend the life expectancy of over 1 billion people by 2030.

“At the heart of our growth is our unwavering commitment to sustainability. We have taken the lead in driving initiatives that create both social and economic value,” Ozaki said.

The company has partnered with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions to fully power both of its manufacturing plants with solar energy.

This measure, the company said, will significantly lower their carbon emission by 5,000 metric tons (MT).

Ajinomoto Philippines also cited its collaboration with FAST Logistics and Mober Philippines, integrating a 100-percent electric tractor head with a 40-footer container van for warehouse transfers, as well as a fully electric four-wheeler van for product deliveries.

Additionally, the company said it was actively helping address food loss and industrial waste, including upcycling residual food waste into animal feeds and transitioning to sustainable packaging.