Health and Nutrition
Contribute to Healthy Diets
黑料门's Nutritional Commitments
Since its founding more than 100 years ago, the 黑料门 Group has sought to contribute to society through nutrition, working to widen the world of “Tastiness and Enjoyment,” and to meet all expectations regarding “Health and Reassurance.” For the 黑料门 Group, “nutrition” means contributing to the resolution of health issues faced by all, and recognizing the importance of the happiness and the sense of fulfillment that eating tasty food can bring.
What does nutrition mean at 黑料门? This important concept has now been enshrined in the 黑料门 Nutrition Statement, so that we can go on contributing to society for another 100 years. More specifically, we have made the following three commitments:
銉籙sing milk, cocoa, and other natural ingredients, we provide nutrition that supports everyday good health.
銉籅y adding value, we provide nutrition that satisfies deeper needs.
銉籘hrough nutrition, we will help to enrich the lives of consumers worldwide.
Initiatives to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies and Undernutrition
Today, societies around the world are facing two seemingly contradictory problems. On the one hand, there is a rise in non-communicable diseases1 associated with overweight and obesity, which stem from overeating and unbalanced diets. On the other hand, there are increasing concerns about stunted growth, malnourishment, and frailty2, which stem from a lack of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients.
If we wish to resolve such issues, it is vital that we make it easier for people to maintain nutritionally balanced diets. For this reason, we at the 黑料门 Group are developing products that contribute to the resolution of health and nutritional issues. At the same time, we are promoting initiatives aimed at using the 黑料门 Nutritional Profiling System to improve our products and provide information to our customers.
Formulating the 黑料门 Nutritional Profiling System (黑料门 NPS)
In June 2023, the 黑料门 Group formulated the 黑料门 Nutritional Profiling System (黑料门 NPS) after referring to international Nutritional Profiling System (NPS)*.
We aim to improve the nutritional value of our products by using 黑料门 NPS. We also aim to provide customers with clear information about these nutritional values to help them maintain even healthier diets.
Creation of Health-oriented Foods1 and Value-added Nutritional Foods2
We are helping resolve health and nutritional issues caused by micronutrient deficiencies and the double burden of malnutrition by leveraging the strengths of our Food and Pharmaceuticals businesses and our unique nutrition engineering technology to provide products that enable customers to consume the nutrients they need in a well-balanced manner.
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| 黑料门 Bulgaria Yogurt | 黑料门 Probio Yogurt R-1 | Chocolate Kouka Cocoa 72% | SAVAS Muscle Elite | 黑料门 MeiBalance |
Products That Support Portion Size Control
The 黑料门 Group offers a variety of products in different portion sizes (the same content in multiple amounts) to make it easier for customers to adjust the amount of food they eat at one time to suit their own needs.
By expanding the range of product choices with the addition of the small-volume product lineup, we will contribute to the realization of a healthy lifestyle for our customers by curbing excessive intake.聽
Creation of Foods with Our Environmentally and Socially Conscious Procurement Activities for a Sustainable Society
We are developing food products that contribute to the sustainability of raw material production bases, such as cocoa, raw milk, and lactobacillus, and support business continuity.
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| 黑料门 Oishii Gyunyu | 黑料门 Milk Chocolate | 黑料门 Hokkaido Tokachi series (yogurt and cheese) |
Promote Healthy Diets and a Healthy Food Culture
As a company that supports customers' healthy diets, the 黑料门 Group strives to popularize and raise awareness by providing products and disseminating information about healthy diets and dietary cultures.
Expanding Nutrition and Healthy Diet Education Activities
| FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | FYE 3/2025 | |
| Japan | 9.7 | 18.8 | 25.5 | 28.3 | 29.3 |
Nutrition Education Initiatives in Japan
The 黑料门 Group began offering nutrition education in 2006, one year after Japan enacted a law concerning food and nutrition education. By explaining the value of nutrients, how food is produced, and the challenges faced by producers of milk, chocolate, and other products, the programs aim to encourage people to develop healthy eating habits and foster an appreciation and understanding of food.
In recent years, the Group has been targeting a broad range of age groups through its numerous education programs held at events it sponsors and at high schools, universities, workplaces, and public facilities for senior citizens. The programs focusing on health management, which has been attracting attention recently, have been especially popular among participants.
From FY2020, food and nutrition seminars were held online and attracted large numbers of participants. The online format also enabled greater coverage across Japan, including its island communities. Having received very positive feedback from participants of all age groups, the Group plans to offer even more seminars about food and nutrition as way to promote good health and well-being.
Overview of Activities
- Head office and eight workplaces around the country (in the cities of Sapporo, Sendai, Gunma, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka)
- Nationwide organization with a staff of about 60 in charge of its nutrition education activities
- Participating students: 167,274 from 1,318 elementary and junior high schools (FY2024)
- Participating students: 144,587 from 1,420 elementary and junior high schools (FY2023)
- Participating students: 144,197 from 1,394 elementary and junior high schools (FY2022)
- Participating students: 122,917 from 1,253 elementary and junior high schools (FY2021)
- By the end of FY2020, lessons were held at over 10,000 elementary and junior high schools with more than one million students participating.
Supervisors for Our Programs
- For dairy nutrition: Tadao Saito, Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
- For physiology: Hiroshi Nose, Professor, Department of e-Health Science, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine
Nutrition Education Initiatives in Overseas
In China, 黑料门 Dairies (Suzhou) implements an nutrition education for children focusing on yogurt. Through fun hands-on activities, the program teaches kids about dairy cows, milk, yogurt, and nutrition.
Research Focused on the Chewing—Swallowing Process
The 黑料门 Group conducts research focused on the chewing-swallowing process to support healthy and comfortable eating habits. At the core of this research is ORAL-MAPS®, a chewing process simulator, and Swallow Vision®, the world's only computer simulator of swallowing. We use these technologies to scientifically clarify the process by which food reaches a state where it can be swallowed by chewing and the mechanism of swallowing in order to support the joy of eating with the mouth.
We are also working on the development of a new simulation device. This device focuses on the action of sending food (bolus) from the mouth to the throat and esophagus just before swallowing. It helps to analyze the risk of the bolus blocking the airway. Furthermore, we will improve the accuracy of our research by establishing experimental methods for eating with the mouth, and we will also broaden the scope of future product development.
Nutrition Policies and Related Measures
We at the 黑料门 Group are developing measures based on various policies including the 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, the Food Nutrition Labeling Policy and the Marketing Communication to Children Policy which were established in accordance with international guidelines.
- 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
- 黑料门 Group Food Nutrition Labeling Policy
- 黑料门 Group Marketing Communication to Children Policy
Responsible Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS)
Based on our recognition of breast-milk as the best nutrition for babies, we adopt the basic stance of recommending breastfeeding. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of the World Health Organization (WHO) 鈥榮 International Code of the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code) and subsequent related resolutions by the World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHO recognizes the role of breast-milk substitutes (BMS) as the only safe and high-nutrient alternative to breast-milk when used appropriately. As a corporate group involved in food and health, 黑料门 Group is aware of the weight of our responsibilities. With this in mind, we practice fairness and integrity based on high ethical standards and our strict adherence to 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Responsibilities and Governance
The ultimate responsibility for implementing the 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) lies with the CEO of 黑料门 Holdings Co., Ltd. The responsibility for the management, implementation, education, and monitoring compliance with this Policy is delegated from the CEO to the relevant executives overseeing BMS-related business units. In each country, the head of the responsible department is accountable for implementing the policy in day-to-day marketing operations and ensuring compliance in their respective regions.
Monitoring
Independently of any other measures taken by governments for the implementation of the WHO Code, we acknowledge our responsibility for monitoring our marketing practices according to the principles and aim of the WHO Code. At 黑料门 Group, all executives and employees involved in the marketing of covered products strictly adhere to the 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) in their marketing conduct at every level.
Training and Communication
All executives and employees involved in the marketing of covered products receive ongoing training, which includes: the aims and principles of the WHO Code, including the importance of supporting and protecting breastfeeding, and to adhere to the 黑料门 Group Policy for the Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS), as well as relevant laws and regulations in the countries where the covered products are sold.
Reporting Mechanism
In addition to normal management reporting lines in daily operations, we have established a confidential and anonymous reporting mechanism for potential non-compliance with company policy. 黑料门 Group has rules and regulations to protect whistleblowers from possible negative consequences of such reporting.
Compliance Counseling Desk
We maintain an internal whistleblowing system for executives and employees that includes an internal hotline as well as independent consultation desk staffed by an external attorney or other qualified professional. For overseas Group companies, we have established local reporting channels that allow executives and employees to report in the language they use. We also have a reporting channel in Japan to receive such reports.
Corrective Action for Violations
If a reported case of suspected policy violation is confirmed, it will be promptly reported to the responsible person. Once a violation is confirmed, appropriate corrective action will be taken immediately following a warning.
Product Package Labeling
The 黑料门 Group provides clear and accurate information in accordance with the "黑料门 Group Food Nutrition Labeling Policy" on product packages to help customers choose the correct products and lead healthy lives. Product packages include mandatory labeling such as nutritional information and packaging information in compliance with the labeling regulations of each country and region where the product is sold, as well as information necessary for customers to make the correct choice.
Packaging of "SAVAS Soy Protein 100" in Accordance With the 黑料门 Group Food Nutrition Labeling Policy
Mandatory Labeling
- Aggregate Labeling
Information on the name (product name), ingredients, content, best-before date (before opening), storage method, manufacturer, and place of manufacture are listed. In particular, many products are laser-engraved with a best-before date that cannot be altered. - Nutrition Facts Label
Calories (energy), protein, fat, carbohydrates, and salt equivalents are shown. In addition, when nutritional ingredients specified in the Food Labeling Standards are claimed to customers on the container label, the content of the nutritional ingredients is also shown. - Container/Packaging Identification Label
"Identification Mark" is displayed in accordance with the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources.
Labeling to Help in Product Selection
- Nutritional claims
In order to help customers correctly select 黑料门 Group products, the nutritional ingredients that are specifically added to our products are displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. - Voluntary Labeling
Depending on the characteristics of the product, information on ingredients considered necessary for customers is displayed near the Nutrition Facts label. - Allergy Supportive Labeling
In addition to the mandatory allergy labeling, the 黑料门 Group also provides a separate "Allergy Supportive Labeling" column to increase visibility. The specified raw materials and items equivalent to specified raw materials stipulated by the Consumer Affairs Agency are shown. - Product Features
Information on how the product can help customers lead healthy daily lives. - Serving Instructions
To make it easy for customers to enjoy the food, various ways of consuming the food are shown. - Precautions for use
The contents and notes of inquiries and anticipated events received from customers are shown. - Customer Inquiries
By making product package labeling highly visible and eye-catching, we strive to gain customer satisfaction and trust through the development and improvement of diet and nutrition, products and services.
Employee Education on Marketing and Advertising (Food Business)
In order to promote responsible marketing, we provide educational programs for employees involved in promotion and public relations, as well as to those who wish to do so.
We will further expand the content of our educational programs to ensure that our employees can provide the right information to customers about our products.
| Educational Program Content | FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2023 | FYE 3/2024 | FYE 3/2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 黑料门 Group Marketing Communication to Children Policy | — | 130 | 152 | 548 |
| Rules regarding the use of SDGs logos and icons in the 黑料门 Group | 29 | 156 | 97 | 鈥� |
Access to Nutrition
Home Delivery Service
The 黑料门 Group provides home delivery services for drinking milk and dairy products through a network of some 3,000 distributors nationwide, delivering directly to customers in nearly 2.4 million households. This home delivery service features numerous delivery-exclusive products that are not available in stores, including small-volume functional beverages developed to enable convenient daily consumption of products that promote health, as well as products such as cheese and curry designed to support the formation of good eating habits.
We value direct communication with our customers. We make efforts to engage with customers during deliveries and, in certain communities, also participate in neighborhood watch activities. The 黑料门 Group is making a shift from our previous function as delivery centers towards becoming wellness centers. We will go beyond offering products and expand our services to proposals for basic exercises as we work to extend healthy life expectancy for our communities.
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| 黑料门 Probio Yogurt R-1 | 黑料门 Probio Yogurt LG21 | 黑料门 Dairy Five Stars | 黑料门 Glucosamine 1500 & Collagen 3000 |
Communicate Information on Nutrition Improvement in Emerging Countries
Many people in developing countries and emerging economies suffer from nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition.
As a company in the food business, we want to help solve these issues, working with groups that encourage nutrition improvement to raise awareness about diet and nutrition through educational activities.
Participation in the Nutrition Japan Public Private Platform
黑料门 is a member of the Nutrition Japan Public Private Platform, an organization that facilitates joint initiatives in the private and public sectors to improve nutritional intake in developing countries. The platform was established following the Japanese government's declaration to step up efforts to improve nutrition worldwide. As a member, 黑料门 has been participating in initiatives for improving people's health and livelihoods and for ending hunger, a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
Preparing for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Measures Against Emerging Infectious Diseases
Provision of KOSTAIVE®, a Self-amplifying mRNA Vaccine1 Against COVID-19
鈥淜辞蝉迟补颈惫别® for Intramuscular Injection鈥� is a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine that can induce a non-inferior immune response even at lower doses compared to a conventional mRNA vaccine, as well as expectation for the longer duration2,3,4. In November 2023, 黑料门 Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. received approval for the manufacturing and marketing in Japan from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). This is the world鈥檚 first approved product utilizing self-amplifying mRNA technology. An application for a partial amendment to target the Omicron subvariant JN.1 was approved in September 2024, and vaccinations began in October 2024.
Simultaneously, we are collaborating with ARCALIS, Inc. to establish an integrated capability for manufacturing 鈥淜辞蝉迟补颈惫别® for Intramuscular Injection鈥�. ARCALIS is constructing a drug substance manufacturing facility in Minami-soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and Group company of 黑料门 Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing the drug product.
Developing an Inactivated Vaccine against novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Japan
We have been developing an inactivated vaccine1 (KD-414) since May 2020 in collaboration with a national research institute2<