Research and Development of High-Quality, Health-Oriented Products

「In the overseas instant noodle business, the company expanded its lineup of high-value-added products by launching the new “Spicy Tonkotsu” flavor in the authentic-oriented, non-fried noodle “MARUCHAN GOLD” series. It also launched the new “SAUCY NOODS” brand to attract younger consumers and worked to expand its range of flavors.」

「In the seafood products business, the company additionally launched “Choi Fish Squid, Shrimp and Vegetable Ajillo” and “Choi Fish Hokkaido Salmon Meunière Style,” bringing the lineup to 8 products. It also launched the “FIRE” series as packaged noodles. R&D expenses for the fiscal year were ¥1,776 million.」

「In the frozen foods business, the company relaunched products in the Japanese-style noodle category as health-oriented products, including “Hokkaido Wheat Tama Udon: Zero Salt,” “Soba, Three Servings,” and “Menjozu Coarse-Ground Soba, Two Servings,” all reformulated with zero salt.」

「Total R&D expenses for the nine months ended the third quarter were ¥1,353 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the second quarter were ¥903 million.」

「Total R&D expenses for the three months ended the first quarter were ¥453 million.」

「Total R&D expenses for the nine months ended the third quarter were ¥1,312 million.」

「Total R&D expenses for the six months ended the second quarter were ¥880 million.」

「The seafood products business developed seafood products such as salmon flakes, salmon roe and cod roe for convenience stores and supermarkets, as well as food-service products. Under the concept of "魚を手軽に", the company also expanded its ChoiFish brand of retail frozen fish side dishes by launching "さばのレモン焼", "明太ポテト焼" and "赤魚のアクアパッツァ".」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the third quarter were ¥1,349 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the second quarter were ¥903 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the first quarter were ¥448 million.」

「In research and development, the company places safety and security first and, in addition to pursuing taste, is developing products focused on convenience and environmental considerations in response to social demands such as rising demand for meals prepared at home, changes in household composition and working styles, and environmental issues. Through these efforts, it is creating new value, helping resolve social issues and contributing to environmental conservation. Research and development expenses for the consolidated fiscal year were ¥1,815 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the third quarter were ¥1,346 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the cumulative consolidated period through the second quarter were ¥893 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the three months ended the first quarter of the current consolidated fiscal year were ¥451 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the nine months ended the third quarter of the current consolidated fiscal year were ¥1,420 million.」

「Total research and development expenses for the six months ended the second quarter of the current consolidated fiscal year were ¥945 million.」

「During the consolidated fiscal year, we established a comprehensive research institute adjacent to the Kanto Plant in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, relocating it from Koto Ward, Tokyo. Under the theme of “creating a new food culture,” the facility is strengthening research and development and quality assurance systems for the next medium-term management plan by bringing together the knowledge, experience, and technologies of diverse personnel in an enhanced facility and environment. Research and development expenses for the consolidated fiscal year were ¥1,869 million.」

「In the overseas instant noodle business, we expanded our range of Asian-flavored products and reduced-sodium products in response to the growing interest in health in recent years.」

「Recent consumer trends indicate growing demand for highly differentiated, high-quality products. We are therefore focusing on developing such products, as well as products that address the growing interest in health.」