Mizkan’s History Video
1804-1856Founding of the Vinegar Business
1804
Mizkan is founded
Originally a sake brewer, Matazaemon Nakano I established a successful business by making vinegar out of sake lees, a by-product of sake brewing. This was a courageous challenge because sake brewers avoided vinegar for fear of contamination.
1811
First vinegar brewery opens
Fermented vinegar is produced on a large scale at what is later known as the Handa factory.
1845
Yamabuki™ launches
The premium sake lees vinegar Yamabuki™ is launched. It uses sake lees matured for three years, and becomes known for complementing sushi.
1868-1944Mizkan in a Time of Change
1887
The Mizkan mark becomes a registered trademark
The widely recognized Mizkan mark, designed by Matazaemon IV, is based on the Nakano family crest.
1928
"Leave all things vinegar to Mizkan"
Invites public participation through a newspaper advertisement and selects a new catch phrase.
1945-2003The Second Founding
1948
Begins exporting from Japan to the US
1951
Launches Shiragiku, a rice vinegar
1954
Full-scale production of bottled vinegar begins
A fully automated bottling line is established at the Handa Plant in 1954 and at the Amagasaki Plant in 1955. Mizkan decided to bottle its vinegar to ensure product quality, despite the large investment it required.
1964
Ajipon™ (citrus seasoned soy sauce) launches
Ajipon™ enables consumers to make and enjoy restaurant-quality food at home. Mizkan promoted the new product from a food truck offering mizutaki hot pot, a then little-known dish in the greater Tokyo area.
1968
Natural Food Campaign
A natural food campaign is rolled out to emphasize our commitment to quality and natural brewing. The campaign slogan was “Only Mizkan vinegar is 100% brewed.”
1971
“More than a Vinegar Manufacturer Strategy” launches
It aimed for 100 billion yen in sales by increasing vinegar sales in tandem with more aggressive development of non-vinegar products.
1979
All vinegar plants are certified by JAS (Japan Agricultural Standard)
1981
Acquires American Industries Company, a major American vinegar manufacturer, to use as a base for the western US
Overseas expansion starts in earnest. Further US acquisitions follow.
1986
Su-no-Sato Vinegar Museum opens
It opens to the public after a visit by the former imperial couple. The museum introduced visitors to the spirit and techniques handed down by generations of vinegar-making craftsmen, all in an atmosphere reminiscent of the early days of Mizkan. In November 2015, Su-no-Sato Vinegar Museum was reborn as the MIZKAN MUSEUM™.
1988
Tsuyu (Soup Base) launches
Mizkan enters the tsuyu category, which is a big market in Japan. Tsuyu is launched as a premium product with the key selling point that it has a high concentration of bonito stock. It is later rebranded as Oigatsuo™ Tsuyu and becomes a big hit with consumers.
1990
Gomoku Chirashi launches
The convenience of this instant chirashi sushi mix for at-home sushi making means it quickly becomes a bestseller.
1992
Completes new headquarters in Japan
The exterior of the newly built headquarters was designed in all black to maintain harmony with the surrounding scenery.
1997
Raises capital with Asahi Foods to enter the natto (fermented soybeans) business
In an effort to further diversify its portfolio of healthy, delicious foods, Mizkan begins full-scale production of natto.
1998
Establishes Nakano Europe in the UK
2004-From “Mitsukan” to “mizkan”
2004
Establishes Mizkan Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
2005
A base is established in Singapore for the Asia Pacific area
Mizkan China Co., Ltd. is established as a 100%-owned subsidiary sales company in Beijing, China
2006
Mizkan Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Hong Kong Branch and Taiwan Branch begin operations
2012
Acquires Sarson's™ malt vinegar and Haywards™ pickled vegetables, both category leaders in the UK
2013
Acquires Branston™ sweet pickle in the UK
With this, three brands which have long been popular in the UK have joined the Mizkan Group.
2014
Acquires two US top-selling pasta sauce brands: RAGÚ™ and Bertolli™
Mizkan expands the US business with the acquisition of popular pasta sauce brand RAGÚ™ and the leading premium pasta sauce brand, Bertolli™.
2015
Opens the MIZKAN MUSEUM™ (MIM™).
MIM™ opens its doors in November 2015 as an interactive museum where visitors learn about the art and history of vinegar brewing and Japanese food culture in a fun and engaging way.
2018
Begins ZENB™ Initiative
2024年