Functional foods provide health benefits and facilitate sustainability goals, and Meiji Food Materia is at the forefront.
Sweet treats and functional foods come together to offer indulgent flavors with added health benefits, making it easier to enjoy wellness. In a world of unhealthy confectionary, science and manufacturers are working together to produce new flavors to delight and inspire. However, it takes expertise, R&D,\ and a high degree of competency to successfully create the foods of tomorrow.
As a key player in the food supply chain, Meiji Food Materia focuses on providing high-quality sugar products, corn sweeteners, processed food materials and functional health ingredients. It serves a wide range of industries, including confectionery, beverages and pharmaceuticals. Yuta Kawano, President of Meiji Food Materia, says the company's strength is its ability to source high-quality raw materials and products from external suppliers and supply them to Japanese companies. “As a trading company, we act as a B2B bridge between global suppliers and domestic companies,” he explains. However, its expertise goes beyond simply trading, with a strong focus on R&D.
“As a research-driven company, we have positioned functional materials as an important pillar of our business and my goal is to further strengthen and expand this area,” Kawano says. For example, MayoligoR is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as an alternative to sugar and is a healthy functional material, and the company already supplies over 20,000 tons per year. MayoligoR doesn’t affect blood sugar levels and is low in calories, making it perfect for health-conscious consumers. “We see tremendous growth potential in this sugar substitute and have already expanded its reach globally,” he says.
In that way, Meiji Food Materia’s research is focused on improving consumer health, particularly gut health. “What sets our functional ingredients apart is their ability to strengthen the intestinal microflora,” he says, and adds, “This improves mineral absorption, reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes and strengthens the immune system.” The company’s unique probiotics and other gut-active ingredients address health issues caused by the overconsumption of sugar and are currently undertaking clinical trials to validate its research. “Beyond our own research, we actively collaborate with national and international academic and research institutions and work with leading experts to develop cutting-edge technologies and functional ingredients,” he states.
In addition to food and health, the company is active in the development of bio-cleaning products that both clean and deodorize. In 1946, when the pharmaceutical research department was founded to develop antibiotics and antibacterial agents, it discovered BN Bacteria, which has the ability to break down organic matter, particularly oil. This led to the development of BNCLEANR, a cleaning agent made from naturally occurring bacteria. “The uniqueness of BNCLEANR is that, unlike conventional chemical cleaners, it harnesses the power of micro-organisms to clean surfaces,” he says. Bio-cleaners are a safer and more sustainable option and are favored by consumers and businesses looking for environmentally friendly solutions. The company into the agricultural sector, to apply its expertise in line with global sustainability initiatives beyond cleaning. “Research has shown that BN bacteria can stimulate plant growth and reduce the risk of root diseases,” Kawano says.
With partnerships established across the globe, products like MayoligoR—which is marketed for both human and animal consumption—are already in the hands of consumers. Meiji Food Materia has three key criteria. Strong R&D expertise as the development of fructooligosaccharides requires a high degree of competency, and Meiji Food Materia favors companies that can conduct evidence-based research and provide robust data. Secondly, strong sales and marketing infrastructure to effectively target markets to ensure broad adoption. Thirdly, a stable sugar supply and high-quality assurance production facilities to provide the highest production standards. Kawano explains, “Adherence to these standards will enable the partnership to drive sustainable growth and innovation and expand the global reach of MayoligoR while maintaining the highest standards in scientific development, production and market impact.”
In merging functional foods with advanced technology, Meiji Food Materia exemplifies the food innovators of the future. Its research-driven approach enhances consumer health and offers sustainable solutions. As sweet treats evolve with functional benefits, Meiji's fusion of taste and science sets a promising standard for the future of confectionery.
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