Two personalities stand out in the 110-year history of Ajinomoto.
The history of our group has its roots in Japan and Europe,
and has continued for more than 30 years in Africa as well.
“I want to make Japanese people healthier and make their meals tastier. “
In 1888, the Suzuki family started a Chemical business extracting iodine from the seaweed that washed up on the shore. They began by producing saltpeter through the co-decomposition of potassium chloride and the saltpeter contained in iodine ash. Their business soon became one of the leading chemical companies in Japan.
“I want to bring “umami” seasoning to as many people as possible in Japan.”
In 1899, Dr. Kikunae Ikeda went to Leipzig, Germany to study chemistry. In Leipzig, he studied directly under Dr. Wilhelm Ostwald, who was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909. Without Dr. Ikeda’s study in Germany, Ajinomoto would not have been born. After returning to Japan, Dr. Ikeda continued his research, and in 1908, he discovered glutamic acid to be the source of the savory taste. He named this “umami” and designated it as the fifth of the five basic taste flavours.
In recognition of this achievement, Ikeda was officially selected as one of the “Top Japanese Great Inventors” by the Japanese Patent Office
The history of Ajinomoto began with this passion of two Japanese gentlemen.
The beginning of the Ajinomoto Group
Ajinomoto Co. was established by launching the world’s first umami seasoning: AJI-NO-MOTO®, by Saburosuke Suzuki, founder of the Ajinomoto Group.
France is the first country outside of Japan to patent AJI-NO-MOTO®
at the time of its launch
Business Partnership with Cie. Gervais Danone
Ajinomoto and Cie. Gervais Danone of France, the largest dairy company in Europe, signed an agreement to establish a joint venture for the production and sale of dairy products in Japan. The partnership continued until 2007.
Establishment of West African Seasoning Co., Ltd.
West African Seasoning Co., Ltd. was created in Lagos, Nigeria (Current Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Ltd.)
Acquisition of Örgen Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.,
and Kükre Gıda A.Ş.Turkey
Acquisition of Labeyrie Traiteur Surgeles S.A.S., France
Labeyrie Traiteur Surgeles S.A.S. in France was acquired, and it became Ajiomoto Frozen Foods France S.A.S.
Capital participation in Agro2Agri SL., Spain
- 1909
The beginning of the
Ajinomoto Group - 1949
The 1st export of
AJINOMOTO® to Europe - 1952
Conquering the
European Market - 1954
Establishment of a
representative office
in Paris, France - 1956
The start of
a pharmaceutical businesses - 1961
Establishment of Deutsche
Ajinomoto G.m.b.H. - 1974
Establishment of
Eurolysine S.A. - 1980
Business Partnership
with Cie. Gervais Danone - 1984
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Osteuropa –
Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. - 1988
“Legion of Honor” Award - 1989
Acquisition of S.A.
OmniChem N.V., Belguim - 1991
Establishment of West
African Seasoning Co., Ltd. - 1999
The establishment of
Ajinomoto Poland Sp.z.o.o. - 2002
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Europe S.A.S - 2003
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Foods Europe
S.A.S - 2004
Establishment of
OOO”AJINOMOTO” - 2011
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Istanbul Foods
Sales Ltd.
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Foods
Egypt S.A.E.
Establishment of
Ajinomoto Afrique
de l’Ouest S.A. - 2017
Acquisition of Örgen Gıda
Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., and
Kükre Gıda A.Ş..
Acquisition of Labeyrie
Traiteur Surgeles S.A.S.
Capital participation in
Agro2Agri SL.,Spain - 2018
Integration of 3 Turkish firms
Umami discovery history
AMBITION – Umami discovery history