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Japan's Sojitz buys US sushi company in seafood growth drive

Japanese trading house Sojitz said on Tuesday it had actually purchased the takeout sushi organizations of Sushi Opportunity Inc in the United States for an undisclosed sum, as part of a drive to broaden its seafood operations.

Sojitz is intending to enhance yearly net make money from seafood operations to 4 billion yen ($ 26 million) in the year to March 2027 from 1.2 billion yen in the year ended March 2024.

We are taking on the obstacle of ending up being the world's No. 1. unique marine products group, with strength in tuna and. sushi products, financing chief Makoto Shibuya informed press reporters.

We aim to enhance the success of domestic seafood. operations and reinforce efforts in growing overseas. markets, he stated.

The U.S. sushi market has grown to practically 1.6 times the size. of the marketplace in Japan, according to Sojitz, with favourites. such as California rolls becoming a staple of American cuisine. and nigiri sushi growing in appeal.

Shibuya said the purchase price was several billions of yen,. without offering an exact figure.

Sushi Opportunity operates a grocery store takeout sushi service. with over 300 retail areas in the Midwest and throughout the. United States.

In entering the United States, Sojitz intends to utilize the. procurement and product development proficiency of its Japanese. seafood organization.

Japanese trading houses have actually been purchasing the seafood. sector, with Mitsubishi Corp owning a Norwegian salmon. producer and Mitsui & & Co buying into an Ecuadoran. shrimp farming company.

Asked whether Sojitz would likewise invest in salmon farming,. Shibuya stated it may if there was a great chance.

Sojitz reported a 4.1% rise in net revenue for the April-June. quarter to 23.04 billion yen and adhered to its full-year profit. forecast of 110 billion yen.

The company prepares to withdraw from its Philippines vehicle. organization by the end of this year due to a slumping efficiency. in the middle of intense competition.

(source: Reuters)