Mizkan America, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Mizkan America, Inc., headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois, is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company with over 220 years of history. Established in 1804 in Handa, Japan, the Mizkan Group has grown into a leading manufacturer of condiments and sauces worldwide. Mizkan America serves as the U.S. operating arm, offering a diverse portfolio of products that include vinegars, Italian and Asian sauces, cooking wines, wine reductions, sushi seasonings, salad dressings, and peppers. The company's mission is to "Bring Flavor to Life™," reflecting its commitment to enhancing culinary experiences through quality products.

Key Strategic Focus

Mizkan America's strategic focus centers on expanding its presence in the U.S. condiment and sauce market by leveraging its diverse product portfolio and strong brand recognition. The company emphasizes innovation and quality, aiming to meet evolving consumer preferences for authentic flavors and healthy choices. Key objectives include:

Product Diversification: Expanding offerings to include a variety of vinegars, sauces, and condiments catering to different culinary preferences.

Market Expansion: Strengthening distribution channels to reach a broader consumer base across retail, foodservice, specialty Asian markets, and food ingredient trade channels.

Brand Development: Enhancing brand presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as the exclusive distribution of Angostura® Bitters in North America.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of the privately held Mizkan Group, Mizkan America's financial details are not publicly disclosed. However, the company has demonstrated significant growth through strategic acquisitions and investments. Notably, in 2014, Mizkan acquired the RAGÚ® and Bertolli® pasta sauce brands from Unilever for $2.15 billion, marking a substantial expansion in its product portfolio. In 2024, Mizkan America announced a $156 million investment to expand its Owensboro, Kentucky processing plant by approximately 320,000 square feet, bringing total operational space to over 970,000 square feet.

Pipeline Development

Mizkan America continually develops and refines its product offerings to meet consumer demands. Recent developments include:

Born Simple Acquisition (2021): In 2021, Mizkan America acquired the Born Simple brand, a clean-label barbecue sauce and broth line. This acquisition aligns with the company's focus on health-conscious consumers seeking simple, nutritious ingredients.

RAGÚ® Kettle Cooked Sauces (2023): In 2023, Mizkan America introduced a new line of RAGÚ® kettle-cooked sauces, including flavors like marinara, roasted garlic, and tomato basil, catering to consumers seeking premium, flavorful options.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Mizkan America leverages advanced manufacturing technologies and quality control systems to ensure product excellence. The company operates under strict guidelines set by the Global Food Safety Initiative, with all facilities annually audited to maintain high standards. Additionally, Mizkan America has implemented sustainable practices, such as purchasing owl houses for its growers and offering long-term contracts to promote environmental stewardship.

Leadership Team

As of September 1, 2025, Mizkan America announced a new executive leadership team, including several key promotions:

Koichi Yuki: Chief Executive Officer

Dennis Dedmond: Executive Vice President of Marketing

Matthew Moore: Senior Vice President, Food Ingredients

Tom Egan: Senior Vice President of Operations

Tom Baker: Vice President, Group Controller

These appointments aim to strengthen the company's leadership and drive sustainable global growth.

Market Insights and Competitive Landscape

The U.S. condiment and sauce market is characterized by a diverse consumer base seeking a variety of flavors and health-conscious options. The market is experiencing growth due to increasing consumer interest in global cuisines and clean-label products.

Mizkan America's key competitors include:

Kikkoman Corporation: A leading Japanese company specializing in soy sauce and other condiments, with a significant presence in the U.S. market.

Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co., Ltd.: A Chinese company known for its soy sauce and other flavoring products, with a growing footprint in North America.

Lee Kum Kee Co. Ltd.: A Hong Kong-based company offering a wide range of sauces and condiments, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

Goya Foods Inc.: A U.S.-based company specializing in Hispanic foods, including sauces and condiments, with a strong presence in the retail market.

Eden Foods Inc.: A Michigan-based company offering organic and natural foods, including sauces and condiments, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Mizkan America has established strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence, including an expanded distribution agreement with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits to cover 19 additional U.S. markets, increasing the reach of ANGOSTURA® bitters.

Operational Insights

Mizkan America's operational strategy focuses on:

Manufacturing Excellence: Operating 12 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. to ensure efficient production and distribution.

Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing practices that conserve resources and protect the environment, such as offering long-term contracts to sustainable growers.