Happy New Year. I would like to thank you all for your support over the last year.

The times are changing rapidly. The population of the world keeps rising amid fears of food and environmental issues. Japan is dealing with a gap between the aging population and the decreasing birthrate that is growing at a pace faster than anywhere else in the world, a first for the country. The aging population and the lack of workers is a problem that is likely to worsen as time goes on. Even we in the food industry cannot expect the successes of the past to translate into future growth.

We hope to offer up “Plant-Based Food Solutions” and deliver delicious products that draw out as much of the limitless power of plant-based ingredients as is possible. Through this, we aim to contribute to the health of the Earth and its people. For instance, we are expanding our stabilized DHA and EPA business to help people live longer and healthier. Moreover, we’re making products that allow customers to cut down on manpower to help with the lack of workers. We’re also promoting “coordinated business” through co-creation with customers to provide the solution that society needs. Additionally, with health-conscious thinking on the rise, we’re continuing to put energy into the increasingly valuable processed soy ingredients. We’re currently establishing a new plant in Chiba as demand for soy meat, which uses textured soy protein as a meat substitute, is increasing. We will continue to make progress this year with a firm grasp on what’s coming next for this generation, as a company that makes sustainable contributions with delicious and healthy products.

For us to keep growing in this rapidly changing business environment, the power of people is everything. People are the source of value creation. We’ll create an environment where people can work vibrantly, where a multitude of ways of thinking and lifestyles are mutually respected and where a multitude of talented people can manifest that talent to the maximum degree.

Again this year, we stand committed to concerted company-wide efforts to be an enterprise that is trusted and preferred by our customers. I humbly ask for your continued patronage of the Fuji Oil Group’s products.