Noodle maker 菊水 is rebuilding its production system and strengthening its product capabilities under a new management structure. President Ikeda Kenji (池田賢治), who took office in June, is moving quickly to develop supply capacity for frozen prepared noodles as a growth area, while aiming to strengthen the business foundation with the 80th and 100th anniversaries in view.
菊水ホールディングス is rebuilding its production system and strengthening its product capabilities under a new management structure. President Ikeda Kenji (池田賢治), who took office in June, has identified improving production efficiency as a management priority in response to labor shortages, rising costs and seasonal fluctuations, drawing on his experience managing plants in Japan and overseas.
The company regards frozen prepared noodles as a growth area and is moving quickly to secure supply capacity, while seeking to expand its product lineup beyond its traditional focus on Sapporo. Its core, highly convenient ball-shaped ramen range has been growing in the market and is expected to support overall performance despite the impact of seasonal summer products.
On the sales side, the company plans to broaden the market by developing new retail areas and usage occasions, including delicatessen, meat and hot-pot sets, in addition to conventional noodle sections. It also aims to diversify its sales channels in combination with chilled noodles.
To strengthen its production system, the company is moving quickly to reorganize its sites and is considering building a new plant, adding capacity to existing lines, and using partner plants and contract manufacturing. It is optimizing the balance between in-house production and external sourcing based on logistics efficiency and fixed costs.