Discover How Ajinomoto Thailand and MUFG are Transforming Health and Finance: An Exclusive Interview | JAPAN Forward

On January 28 in Bangkok, leaders from the food and finance industries gathered to discuss well-being.

Ichiro Sakakura, the President of Ajinomoto Thailand Co., Ltd., met with Yuji Kosugi, who was then the head of the Chemicals & Well-Being Division at MUFG Bank. Their main focus was on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

Cutting Environmental Impact by 50%

What steps is Ajinomoto Thailand taking toward its ambitious environmental goals?

Sakakura: We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact by 50% by 2030, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating plastic waste. We’ve transitioned from fossil fuels to biomass and are nearly at zero GHG emissions from our operations. We’re aiming to lower emissions across our supply chain and have switched 56% of our packaging to recyclable materials.

Addressing Health Issues with Nutrient Profiling

How does the Ajinomoto Nutrient Profiling System (ANPS) help combat high sugar and salt consumption in Thailand?

Sakakura: In Thailand, sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it’s often used to enhance flavors. Our ANPS analyzes Thai dishes and scores them to help consumers make healthier choices. We plan to partner with Mahidol University for scientific validation and aim to introduce nutrition education in schools.

Kosugi: We’re excited to support ANPS, which reflects our commitment to societal betterment and food standards.

Empowering Cassava Farmers

What initiatives support farmers growing cassava, used in Ajinomoto products?

Sakakura: Ajinomoto uses 20% of Thailand’s tapioca starch, making us a key player in supporting cassava farmers. Unfortunately, climate change affects yields. Through our “Thai Farmer Better Life Partner Project,” we provide education on plant diseases and improve farming practices, helping increase harvests from 180 farms to 1,500.

Embracing Well-Being

What does well-being mean for Ajinomoto?

Sakakura: Well-being for us encompasses customers, employees, and society, all tied to sustainability. This broad vision shapes our strategies moving forward.

Kosugi: Last year, we renamed our division to include “well-being,” reflecting our long-term commitment to this direction.

65 Years of Growth in Thailand

What makes Ajinomoto Thailand successful, and what challenges do you face?

Sakakura: We dominate the umami seasoning market with a 90% share and are rooted in Thai communities through local leadership. However, Thailand’s declining population presents challenges, similar to Japan. In response, we’re developing products to support the aging demographic, like amino acid-based supplements.

Staying Steady

What personal motto drives you?

Sakakura: A phrase I cherish is “Steady effort leads to success.” For over 60 years, Ajinomoto Thailand has remained focused on our goals, and that commitment continues to deliver results.

This report is published in cooperation with Ajinomoto, focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. Originally published on Japan 2 Earth.

For more information about global trends in food and finance, refer to this UN report on sustainable practices.

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