Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to House Foods.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
House Foods
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
House Foods Corporation (ハウス食品株式会社, Hausu Shokuhin Kabushiki-gaisha) is one of Japan's largest food manufacturers and brands. It began in 1913 in Osaka as Urakami Shoten and began selling curry in 1926.[4]
Key Information
House Foods is the world's largest manufacturer of Japanese curry,[citation needed] and is well known for its Japanese curry brands, Vermont Curry and Java Curry. It is also a major manufacturer of spices such as wasabi, shichimi, yuzukoshō, and black pepper. In addition, House Foods manufactures mixes and roux for various yōshoku including cream stew, beef stew, chowder, Hayashi rice, mabo tofu, sundōbu-chige, Bolognese sauce, oden broth, fried rice, hamburger, and gratin; instant ramen such as Umakacchan; snacks such as Tongari Corn and potato chips; desserts such as Fruiche, pudding, sherbet, and jelly; and drinks such as oolong tea, mugicha, and lassi. It also owns Ichibanya, a Japanese curry restaurant with over 1,400 outlets around the world, and operates the Hungry Bear Restaurant at Tokyo Disneyland and the Casbah Food Court at Tokyo DisneySea. House Foods also engages in food technology, notably developing the tear-free onion Smile Ball (Goldies in the US), created by removing the tear-producing lachrymatory agent syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which won its creators the 2013 Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry.[5][6]
House Foods is also well-known for collaborating with renowned entertainers such as Arashi, Hey! Say! JUMP, AKB48, Nogizaka46, Takuya Kimura and Masahiro Nakai of SMAP, Tsubasa Honda, Hikaru Nishida, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final Actress Emi Takei, former leader of Morning Musume Miki Fujimoto, and Gen Hoshino. As a sponsor of TV programs, House Foods is known for the World Masterpiece Theater on Fuji TV.
As of 2013, House Foods operates under a holding company structure as House Foods Group Inc. (ハウス食品グループ本社株式会社, Hausu Shokuhin Gurupu Honsha Kabushiki-gaisha).
Subsidiaries
[edit]Its subsidiary House Foods America Corporation is the largest provider of tofu products in the United States.[7]
House Foods America Corp. has tofu plants in California and New Jersey with a combined capacity of manufacturing 350,000 pieces of tofu per day. Its largest competitor in the U.S. tofu market is Vitasoy, followed by Morinaga Milk Industry.
House Foods America Corp. formerly operated the Japanese curry restaurant chain Curry House. It had nine locations[8] across California. Its first opened at Weller Court Shopping Center in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles in 1983.[9] House Foods sold Curry House in 2019. Its new owners closed the chain permanently on Monday, February 24 of 2020.
In 2016, House Foods acquired Ichibanya which operates Japan's largest curry restaurant chain, Curry House CoCo ICHIBANYA, with over 1400 outlets across the United States, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Japan and soon India. It also operates a spaghetti chain Pasta de Coco.
In addition, House Foods produces high-end and commercial spices through its subsidiaries Gaban and Asaoka Spice, vitamin drinks such as C1000 (飲料), popular anti-hangover drink Ukon no chikara, and health products such as Immuno-LP20 under its subsidiary House Wellness Foods, cellophane noodles or vermicelli through its subsidiary Malony, meat substitute food products and salsa through its subsidiary El Burrito Mexican Food Products Corporation,[10] MRE convenience store food products in Japan such as bread, spaghetti, salad, cream puff, crème brûlée, and bento through its subsidiary Delica Chef, vitamin drinks in Thailand through its subsidiary House Osotspa Foods, and engages in the import and export of food products and agricultural commodities through Vox Trading.
References
[edit]- ^ "Company Overview". House Foods. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ "About the company". Financial Times. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ "Company Profile". Nikkei Asian Review. Nikkei Inc. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ Shurtleff, William; Aoyagi, Akiko (July 2011). How Japanese and Japanese-Americans Brought Soyfoods to the United States and the Hawaiian Islands--A History (1851-2011): Extensively Annotated Bibliography and Sourcebook. Soyinfo Center. p. 276. ISBN 978-1-928914-37-2.
- ^ "Past Ig Winners". Improbable Research. August 1, 2006. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ Imai, S.; Tsuge, N.; Tomotake, M.; Nagatome, Y.; Sawada, H.; Nagata, T.; Kumagai, H. (2002). "Plant biochemistry: An onion enzyme that makes the eyes water". Nature. 419 (6908): 685. Bibcode:2002Natur.419..685I. doi:10.1038/419685a. PMID 12384686. S2CID 4407001.
- ^ Otts, Chris (April 29, 2021). "Tofu maker House Foods to establish Louisville plant". WDRB. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ Curry House locations
- ^ "About us - Establishment of Curry House Restaurants". CurryHouse.com. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
- ^ Nunes, Keith (November 13, 2012). "House Foods America acquires El Burrito Mexican Foods". Food Business News.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to House Foods.
- (in Japanese) House Foods
- (in Japanese) House Foods Group Inc
- (in Japanese) Ichibanya
- (in English) House Foods Group Inc
- (in English) House Foods America website
- (in English) CoCo Ichibanya
- (in English) Immuno-LP20
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
House Foods
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and early years
House Foods Group Inc. originated on November 11, 1913, when Seisuke Urakami established Urakami Shoten in Osaka, Japan, as a store specializing in herbal medicines and medicinal chemistry materials.[1][3] This founding occurred during the early Taisho era, a period of modernization in Japan, where the business initially focused on trading and distributing herbal products used for health and wellness purposes.[1][5] The enterprise operated as a small-scale shop in the Matsuyamachi-suji area, capitalizing on the growing interest in imported and processed natural substances amid Japan's opening to Western influences.[6] By the mid-1920s, Urakami Shoten began diversifying beyond herbal medicines into the emerging food sector, particularly spices, as customer demand for flavorful seasonings increased.[1] In 1926, the company entered processed food manufacturing by introducing its original curry powder for sale, responding to the rising popularity of curry—a dish influenced by British colonial introductions and adapted in Japan during the Taisho period.[5][1] This marked a pivotal shift, with the product initially sold under the name "Home Curry," and by 1928, it was rebranded as "House Curry," establishing the foundation for the company's future identity in household food products.[7][8] The launch positioned Urakami Shoten as an early pioneer in Japan's curry market, blending traditional spice trading with innovative manufacturing techniques.[9] The onset of World War II brought significant disruptions to operations, including wartime restrictions and destruction that halted much of the company's activities.[1] Postwar Japan faced acute food shortages and economic reconstruction challenges, with rationing and scarcity affecting daily life and business recovery.[1] In response, Urakami Shoten reorganized as a stock company in 1947, renaming itself Urakami Foods Industry Co., Ltd. (also referred to as Urakami Ryoshoku Kogyosho), to reflect its growing emphasis on food processing and diversification amid the recovery efforts.[7][1] This restructuring, with an initial capital of ¥197,500, allowed the company to restart production, focusing on essential processed foods to meet the needs of a rebuilding nation.[10]Expansion and key milestones
In 1960, the company underwent a significant rebranding to House Foods Industrial Co., Ltd., marking its transition from a trading firm to a manufacturer focused on branded consumer food products.[1] This shift emphasized industrialized production and consumer-oriented innovation, aligning with Japan's post-war economic growth. The name change to House Foods Corporation in 1993 further reflected its maturation into a major food processing entity, streamlining operations and enhancing its corporate identity.[11] By 2013, upon adopting a holding company structure to oversee its diverse subsidiaries, it was renamed House Foods Group Inc., facilitating better management of its expanding portfolio.[1] A pivotal milestone came in 1963 with the launch of Vermont Curry, Japan's first ready-to-eat solid curry roux, which simplified home cooking by eliminating the need for manual spice blending and quickly became a bestseller among families.[1] This innovation revolutionized Japanese culinary practices, making curry a staple household dish and establishing House Foods as the market leader in curry products, with Vermont Curry remaining a flagship item for decades.[5] Building on this success, the company entered the instant foods sector in the 1970s, introducing products like Kukure Stew in 1970 and Kukure Curry in 1971, which catered to the growing demand for convenient, ready-prepared meals amid Japan's urbanizing workforce.[1] The 1980s saw further diversification as House Foods expanded its product lines beyond core spices and seasonings, achieving annual sales of ¥100 billion by 1980 and venturing into new categories to broaden its consumer base.[1] In the 2000s, the focus shifted toward health-oriented offerings, exemplified by the 2004 launch of Ukon no Chikara, a turmeric-based supplement promoting wellness, alongside low-calorie options like Tofu Shirataki noodles introduced in the mid-2000s to appeal to diet-conscious consumers.[1] In 2013, House Foods scientists received the Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the biochemical pathway that causes tears when cutting onions, which informed the development of the tear-free Smile Ball onion launched in 2016.[1][12][13] In 2015, the company acquired the Curry House CoCo Ichibanya chain, expanding into restaurant operations.[1] In April 2024, House Foods Group launched its Eighth Medium-term Business Plan (covering fiscal years 2024–2027), prioritizing growth in three value chains: spices through global integration of procurement and sales, functional foods emphasizing health ingredients like vitamins and probiotics for markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US, and health value chains leveraging synergies across its operations to deliver "Healthy Life Through Foods."[14] This plan aims to solidify the company's role in addressing consumer demands for nutritious, sustainable products amid evolving global food trends.[14]Products
Curry and spice lines
House Foods has been central to the development of Japanese-style curry since 1926, when it began production and sales of "Home Curry" at its Kosaka Factory, establishing curry as a core product in its portfolio.[5] This marked an early effort to popularize curry powder and mixes in Japan, evolving from imported Indian influences into a milder, roux-based staple suited to local tastes. By the mid-20th century, the company innovated further with ready-to-use formats, transforming home cooking. A pivotal advancement came in 1963 with the introduction of boxed curry roux through the launch of Vermont Curry, a mild variant incorporating apples and honey for broader family appeal, which quickly became a household essential.[5] This product revolutionized accessibility, allowing simple preparation by simmering with ingredients, and has since sold over 2.1 billion portions annually as of 2013, solidifying its status as Japan's top-selling curry brand.[5] The boxed roux format addressed previous challenges with powder-based curries, making them easier for everyday use and contributing to curry's integration into Japanese cuisine. Key brands under House Foods' curry line include Vermont Curry, known for its fruit-based mildness; Java Curry, a spicier option featuring roasted onions, cheese, and aromatic spices for a deeper, adult-oriented flavor; and Kokumaro Curry, a standard mild blend created by combining two roux types to mimic traditional homemaker recipes.[15][16][17] Java Curry, aimed at those preferring heat, draws on coffee-inspired notes in some variants, while Kokumaro emphasizes balanced, everyday mildness. These brands cater to diverse preferences, with Vermont leading in popularity since the 1970s expansions. Complementing the curry ecosystem, House Foods produces spice products such as wasabi paste made from real wasabi and horseradish for authentic pungency, and shichimi togarashi blends combining seven spices including chili, sesame, and seaweed to enhance curry dishes.[18][19] These seasonings integrate seamlessly with curry roux, providing customizable heat and flavor profiles tied to the brand's core offerings. House Foods dominates the Japanese curry market, holding a 61.9% share in curry roux as of fiscal year 2025, with retort pouched curry at 27.6%, reflecting its leadership in both dry and ready-to-eat segments.[4] driven by consistent innovation and consumer loyalty. In the 2010s, the company adapted its lines for health-conscious needs, introducing low-sodium variants like Low Sodium Java Curry to reduce salt content while preserving spice intensity, and vegan options such as Vegetable Curry pouches free of animal-derived ingredients.[20][21] These evolutions address dietary trends, maintaining the line's relevance in modern households.Tofu and other soy-based products
House Foods entered the tofu market in 1983 by establishing a joint venture in the United States, acquiring a stake in a Los Angeles-based tofu producer to launch its soybean-related products business.[1] This move positioned the company as a key player in the North American tofu industry, where its subsidiary House Foods America became the second-largest provider by the 2000s and has since grown to be recognized as America's leading tofu brand.[22] The company's core tofu offerings include firm and extra-firm varieties suitable for stir-fries, grilling, and meat substitutes; soft (silken) tofu ideal for desserts, soups, and smoothies; and organic options made from certified USDA organic soybeans.[23] House Foods also produces Tofu Shirataki noodles, a low-calorie alternative blending tofu with konjac (an Asian yam root) for a noodle-like texture with just 20 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, launched as part of its expansion into health-oriented soy products in the 2000s.[24] These konjac-based items serve as gluten-free, low-carb substitutes often used in pasta dishes or stir-fries. Manufacturing occurs in automated facilities in California and New Jersey, utilizing U.S.-grown, non-GMO soybeans to produce fresh, pasteurized tofu with a double-cooling system for extended shelf life and quality preservation.[25] The company processes approximately 70 tons of soybeans daily across its operations, supporting high-volume output to meet demand, including a recent expansion in Kentucky to further scale production using sustainable, non-GMO sourcing.[26][27] In response to wellness trends, House Foods has developed health-focused soy items since the 2010s, such as super-firm tofu providing 9 grams of plant-based protein per 3-ounce serving and baked tofu bars offering convenient, savory snacks with 5 grams of protein.[28] Functional soy milks, including unsweetened, high-fiber, and flavored varieties like matcha, complement the lineup by delivering isoflavones and nutrients for dietary versatility.[29] These innovations emphasize protein-rich, low-calorie options aligned with plant-based diets. In 2025, House Foods Holding USA expanded its plant-based portfolio to include veggie burgers, seitan, and other meat alternatives, showcased at industry events.[30]Additional food categories
House Foods has diversified its product portfolio beyond core offerings into instant ramen, snacks, desserts, and convenience mixes for yōshoku dishes, enhancing consumer convenience and variety in everyday meals.[1] The company's instant ramen line, under the Umakacchan brand, was launched in 1979 as a packaged noodle product featuring a distinctive Kyushu-style tonkotsu flavor with a cloudy pork bone-based soup enriched by vegetable extracts and spices. This line emphasizes customizable preparation, allowing users to add personal toppings such as eggs, green onions, or chashu pork for a tailored dining experience. Umakacchan remains a key entry in the instant noodle segment, appealing to fans of hearty, regional Japanese cuisine.[1] In the snacks category, House Foods introduced Tongari Corn in 1978, a cone-shaped corn puff made from cornmeal and fried in vegetable oil, offering a light, crispy texture with subtle saltiness derived from deep-sea water salt. This product followed the company's entry into the snack foods market in 1977 and has since become an iconic item, available in various flavors like grilled corn or cheese, catering to casual snacking occasions. Other puffed snacks in the lineup further expand this segment, focusing on simple, flavorful options for on-the-go consumption.[1] House Foods entered the dessert market with Fruiche in 1976, a fruit-infused yogurt mix that transforms into a smooth, jiggly treat when blended with milk, combining the tanginess of yogurt with real fruit juices in flavors such as strawberry or peach. Designed as an easy home dessert, it targets families seeking quick, refreshing indulgences without extensive preparation.[1] For yōshoku-inspired convenience foods, the company offers mixes and kits like cream stew bases, first introduced as instant stews in 1966 and later expanded with products such as Kukure Stew in 1970, providing a creamy, vegetable bouillon foundation for hearty Western-style Japanese dishes. Similarly, mabo tofu kits feature pre-seasoned sauces with garlic, ginger, and spicy elements, enabling rapid assembly of the classic mapo tofu by simply adding tofu and ground meat, streamlining home cooking of this popular fusion dish.[1]Operations
Domestic business in Japan
House Foods maintains its headquarters in Higashiosaka, Osaka, with an additional major head office in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward. The company operates key manufacturing plants in Osaka and Tokyo dedicated to curry, stew, and spice production, while regional facilities include the Sun House Foods plant in Konan, Aichi Prefecture, for retort pouched foods such as curry, and the House Foods Group Tohoku Factory in Fukushima for molded container foods, paste seasonings, and other processed items. These sites, along with dedicated soybean processing facilities in Japan, support the production of tofu and other soy-based products tailored to domestic demand.[31][3] The distribution network enables widespread availability in supermarkets nationwide through major Japanese retailers, including Aeon and Ito-Yokado, covering a substantial share of the market. This infrastructure ensures efficient delivery of products like curry roux and tofu to consumers across urban and regional areas.[32] House Foods commands a dominant market position in Japan's curry sector, holding 61.9% share in curry roux, 65.9% in stew roux, and 27.6% in retort pouched curry as of fiscal year 2025; it continues to expand in functional foods.[4] Research and development efforts are centered in Osaka, where teams develop innovations aligned with Japanese consumer preferences, including milder curry variants designed for children to promote family-friendly meal options.[33] With approximately 4,389 employees based in Japan out of the group's total consolidated workforce of 6,666, the company sustains localized production and operations focused on the domestic market.[4]International expansion
House Foods initiated its international expansion in the early 1980s, establishing a representative office in Los Angeles in 1981 to explore the U.S. market, followed by the founding of House Foods America Corporation in 1983 to produce and distribute tofu products.[1] This marked the company's entry into North America, focusing initially on soy-based foods to meet demand among Asian diaspora communities and health-conscious consumers. Subsequent growth extended to Asia, with entry into China in 1997 through a Shanghai curry restaurant and product launches tailored to local tastes by 2005.[1] To adapt to diverse global markets, House Foods has localized its offerings, developing milder curry variants like Vermont Curry, which uses apple and honey for a sweeter, less spicy profile suitable for Western preferences.[34] Since the 2010s, the company has expanded plant-based lines, including tofu and shirataki noodles, to capitalize on rising vegan and vegetarian trends in North America and other markets, where these products support flexible, health-oriented diets.[35] Such adaptations, supported by domestic production capabilities in Japan, have facilitated broader acceptance.[1] International operations contribute significantly to the company's revenue, accounting for 24.9% of total group sales as of March 2025, driven by strong performance in Southeast Asia through localized manufacturing and distribution.[4] Exports of curry products reach numerous countries, bolstered by halal certifications that enable penetration into Muslim-majority markets like Indonesia.[36] Facing challenges such as cultural differences in spice preferences, House Foods employs strategies like product customization to mitigate barriers.[37]Subsidiaries and acquisitions
Major subsidiaries
House Foods Group Inc. oversees a network of approximately 50 consolidated subsidiaries as of the first half of fiscal year 2025, comprising 21 domestic entities in Japan and 29 overseas operations, which collectively support diverse segments including food production, health products, and international distribution.[38] These subsidiaries play pivotal roles in expanding the group's portfolio beyond its core curry and spice offerings, contributing to innovation in plant-based, health-oriented, and regional specialty foods. House Foods America Corporation, established in 1983 as a U.S. subsidiary, specializes in the production and distribution of soy-based products such as tofu and shirataki noodles, operating manufacturing facilities in California and New Jersey to serve the North American market.[31][22] The company has grown to manage eight production sites across North America following the 2022 acquisition of Keystone Natural Holdings, LLC, focusing on non-GMO, high-quality soy items to meet rising demand for plant-based alternatives.[30] House Wellness Foods Corporation, based in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, functions as the group's health-focused subsidiary, developing and selling functional foods including vitamin supplements, dietary aids, and low-calorie beverages aimed at supporting overall wellness.[31] Established in 2006, it emphasizes products like curcumin-based tablets for liver health and comprehensive vitamin formulations, aligning with the group's philosophy of promoting healthier lifestyles through accessible nutrition.[39][40] Ichibanya Co., Ltd., a domestic subsidiary acquired in 2015, operates the Curry House CoCo ICHIBANYA restaurant chain with over 1,300 outlets worldwide as of 2025, specializing in customizable Japanese-style curry dishes and driving the group's restaurant segment.[31][1] Malony Co., Ltd., located in Suita City, Osaka, Japan, concentrates on the manufacture and sale of starch-derived products, particularly shirataki noodles and konjac-based items renowned for their low-calorie, high-fiber properties.[31] As a key player in the group's plant-based offerings, Malony supports the production of traditional Japanese noodle substitutes that blend konjac yam flour, contributing to health-conscious consumer trends in both domestic and export markets.[41] El Burrito Mexican Food Products Corporation, a U.S.-based subsidiary acquired in 2012, produces plant-based Mexican-style foods such as soy chorizo, tortillas, salsas, and wraps, utilizing non-GMO soybeans to infuse Latin flavors into vegan and organic product lines.[42] Operating from California since its founding in 1980, it pioneered fresh salsas and meatless alternatives, enhancing the group's diversity in ethnic and convenience foods for North American consumers.[43][44] In China, House Foods (China) Inc., established to oversee operations, manages production through subsidiaries like Shanghai House Foods Co., Ltd., Dalian House Foods Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang House Foods Co., Ltd., focusing on curry products and functional foods for the local market.[31] House Osotspa Foods Co., Ltd., a joint venture in Thailand established in 2011 with Osotspa Co., Ltd., develops and markets health beverages and functional foods, including vitamin-enriched drinks, supporting the group's expansion in Southeast Asia.[45][31] Additionally, the group consolidated PT. House Foods Indonesia as a new subsidiary in fiscal year 2025, enhancing its presence in the Indonesian market for food products.[38]Key acquisitions and divestitures
House Foods Group Inc. has pursued a series of strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in health-oriented and international food segments, while also executing divestitures to refine its operational focus. In 2015, the company acquired a controlling stake in Ichibanya Co., Ltd., the operator of the Curry House CoCo ICHIBANYA restaurant chain, which featured over 1,400 outlets worldwide at the time.[1][46] This move strengthened House Foods' restaurant business, enabling the global promotion of Japanese curry culture through both domestic and international expansion.[47] The integration of Ichibanya contributed to subsequent revenue growth, with net sales rising due to price revisions and store operations under the chain.[48] To diversify into health-focused products, House Foods acquired Malony Co., Ltd. in 2017, making it a consolidated subsidiary through the purchase of shares from Yoshimura Shouten Co., Ltd. and other holders.[1][46] Malony specializes in low-calorie starch noodles, aligning with the company's efforts to adapt to evolving consumer eating habits and expand its portfolio in functional, health-oriented foods.[49] Earlier, in 2012, House Foods America Corporation, a subsidiary of the group, completed the acquisition of El Burrito Mexican Food Products Inc., renaming it El Burrito Mexican Foods Products Corp.[42] This purchase targeted the U.S. market for diversified, soy-based Mexican cuisine, enhancing the group's international footprint in plant-based and ethnic food categories.[50] On the divestiture front, House Foods sold its U.S.-based Curry House Japanese Curry and Spaghetti chain to CH Acquisitions, LLC in June 2019, allowing the company to refocus resources on its core manufacturing operations. The buyer subsequently closed all nine locations in February 2020 amid operational challenges.[51] More recently, in September 2025, House Foods announced the transfer of all 8,043 shares (100% ownership) of its consolidated subsidiary Delica Chef Corporation to Musashino Co., Ltd., effective January 15, 2026, for approximately ¥9 billion.[52][53] This divestiture aims to streamline the group's structure by concentrating on key areas like spices, soybeans, and functional ingredients, while enabling Delica Chef's growth through Musashino's expertise in product development and production; it is expected to have minimal impact on consolidated performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.[54] Overall, these acquisitions have strategically positioned House Foods in health and international markets, with a focus on plant-based innovations and global curry dissemination, while divestitures support operational efficiency and core business prioritization.[1][55]Corporate affairs
Financial performance
House Foods Group Inc. reported consolidated net sales of ¥293.7 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, reflecting stable performance amid early pandemic impacts on consumer goods demand. By the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, net sales had grown to ¥315.4 billion, representing an approximate 7.4% increase over five years, or about 1.5% compounded annual growth rate, supported by expansion in spice and health-oriented product lines. This growth trajectory aligns with the company's integrated reports, which highlight contributions from functional food categories amid rising demand for nutritious options.[56] Net profit attributable to owners of the parent stood at ¥11.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. Over the five years to fiscal 2025, net profit reached ¥12.5 billion, achieving roughly 1.7% compounded annual growth rate. However, it declined 28.9% year-over-year in FY2025 to ¥12.5 billion from ¥17.6 billion in FY2024, primarily due to a ¥5.5 billion impairment loss on goodwill related to the U.S. subsidiary Keystone Natural Holdings and the absence of a ¥7.0 billion gain on revision of retirement benefit plans recorded in the prior year. Operating profit, which benefited from growth in the health food segment where sales of soy-based and functional products helped offset inflationary pressures on raw materials, increased 2.7% to ¥20.0 billion, supporting improved margins of 6.3%.[57][58] The company has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 2810) since 1971, providing long-term investor access to its performance in the food processing sector. As of November 2025, its market capitalization hovered around ¥266 billion, reflecting a price-to-sales ratio of approximately 0.86 and stable valuation amid moderate sector growth.[59] House Foods maintains a shareholder-friendly dividend policy targeting a total return ratio of at least 40%, with semi-annual payouts to ensure stability.[60] For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, an interim dividend of ¥24 per share was announced in November 2025, payable on December 2, 2025, consistent with the prior year's amount and supporting an annual forecast of ¥48 per share.[54] In the six months ended September 30, 2025, consolidated net sales reached ¥153.6 billion, marking a 0.9% decline year-over-year due to slower demand recovery post-price adjustments, though net profit rose 1.6% to ¥5.6 billion, bolstered by gains from cross-shareholdings sales.[54] The company continues to emphasize functional value chains, particularly in health and soy products, positioning for projected fiscal 2026 net sales of ¥321.5 billion and net profit of ¥13.0 billion.[54]| Key Financial Metrics | FY Ended Mar 31, 2020 | FY Ended Mar 31, 2025 | 6 Months Ended Sep 30, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Sales (¥ billion) | 293.7 | 315.4 | 153.6 |
| Net Profit (¥ billion) | 11.5 | 12.5 | 5.6 |
| YoY Change | - | +7.4% (cumulative) | -0.9% (sales), +1.6% (profit) |