The U.S. division of miso manufacturer Marukome Co., founded in Japan in 1854, has welcomed back prior president Shuta Aoki. He returned in October as chief executive.
Marukome USA Inc. was founded in 2004 and built its Irvine factory in 2007, bringing its traditional fermentation techniques and equipment used to make miso, a fermented soybean paste often used in soups, sauces and marinades.
Aoki succeeds former executive Takeshi Azuma, who remains as vice president, and is part of the fifth generation of his family to run Marukome since its founding.
He previously served as president of the Irvine-based operations from 2012 to 2019 before transferring to be an executive vice president at the parent company headquartered in the city of Nagano.
Marukome accounts for around 30% of Japan’s annual miso production, according to the company.
“I am deeply honored to return to Marukome USA,” Aoki said in a statement. “Together with the dedicated team here, I want to improve quality standards while maintaining Marukome’s innovative spirit and bring the benefits of fermentation to more people through our unique technology.”
The Irvine plant in April opened a new showroom where locals and business executives are taken on a tour of the facilities and shown the history and process of miso fermentation.
The manufacturer’s 72,000-square-foot factory was remodeled from a former 3M Co. site.
It also produces koji, the main ingredient for miso, instant soups, soy sauces and other food products that are then sold to U.S. restaurants and supermarkets such as H Mart, Albertsons and Walmart.
Marukome USA distributes about 50 different products across the states, for both consumer and foodservice use.
At the Natural Products Expo West event at the Anaheim Convention Center in March, Assistant Manager in Marketing and Business Development Ayumi Takeuchi noted a recent rise in demand for fermented products such as kombucha in “healthier” eating habits.
She added that Marukome’s products have been benefiting from this boom as of late. The miso manufacturer has attended the expo since 2009.
The company employs about 48 people in Orange County.
