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Nissui Corporation (株式会社ニッスイ, Kabushiki-gaisha Nissui), is a marine products company based in Tokyo, Japan. Formerly known as Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (日本水産株式会社, Nippon Suisan Kabushiki-gaisha) from 31 March 1937 to 30 November 2022, it officially changed its name to its common abbreviation on 1 December 2022.

Key Information

The company was established as the fishery division of Tamura Steamship Company in March 1911 by Ichiro Tamura (田村市郎), a cousin of the head of the Fujita Zaibatsu (zaibatsu were large conglomerates in pre-war Japan). Its former headquarters, built in Tobata (Kita Kyushu) in 1929, is now an exhibit center.[5]

It has been listed on the Tokyo Exchange since 16 May 1949, when Japan's stock market was resumed after the Second World War (TYO: 1332). It is the only component of the Nikkei 225 index from the country's fishery sector.[6]

With 768 billion yen annual sales in FY2022,[7] it is now the second largest commercial fishing and marine product procurement corporation in the country by revenue, only surpassed by the Maruha Nichiro Holdings.[8] Its founding principles state 'A tap water supply system is exactly what marine products should be like in their production and distribution'.[9]

In 2005, the company divested its whaling fleet following controversy for its role in the modern global whaling industry (see Whaling in Japan).[10]

As of 2013, the company has 61 subsidiaries and 44 associated companies across Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North and South America.[11]

Overview

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In FY2022, Nissui had 9515 employees and a total net asset of 220.6 billion Yen. As of 10 February 2023, its market capitalisation is 283 billion Yen. Nissui's CEO is Shogo Hamada, who has a degree of fisheries science from the University of Tokyo[12] and has been working for the company since 1983.[13]

After exclusive economic zones (EEZ) were introduced by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Nissui's traditional business model of pelagic fisheries collapsed, as most of continental shelves, where Nissui's ships used to fish, was now to be controlled by other countries. No longer running a profitable business, Nissui found itself unable to allocate any of its profit to dividends for the first time in its history as a publicly traded company in 1991. [14][15]

This business downturn became an impetus for the company to change its business model, and during the 1990s it invested heavily in aquaculture of salmon by its Chilean subsidiary Emdepes, extraction of Eicosapentaenoic acid from fish for pharmaceutical use, and production of frozen food. It also started to diversify the sources of fish supply by establishing and acquiring subsidiaries around the world.[15]

These efforts gradually proved successful, and its main sources of revenue are now its traditional fishery&marine products business, and the fine chemical and processed food divisions. Today, its subsidiaries across the world not only contribute to the stabilisation of Nissui's supply chain as originally intended but also sell products that cater to the needs of each country. Its US subsidiary Gorton's of Gloucester is the top supplier of frozen marine products, and supplies hamburgers to McDonald's. Its New Zealand subsidiary Sealord is the largest supplier of fried fish and one of the largest food companies in the country. Its French subsidiary Cité Marine holds a similar position in the French frozen food market.[16][17]

Nissui has been working to make land-based aquaculture commercially viable. Nissui's current aquaculture business, mainly salmon and Japanese amberjack, is mostly conducted in the traditional way of ocean-based aquaculture, meaning they keep fish in segregated areas of harbours or in tanks that are connected to ocean. However, keeping fish in ocean water means they are prone to get diseases or affected by natural conditions, which sometimes result in worst scenarios such as annihilation. This method also has a large impact on the ecosystem that share the water. Thus, from both the perspectives of business stability and environmental friendliness, land-based aquaculture is more desirable. In April 2023, as Nissui's first land-based commercial aquaculture project, a whiteleg shrimp farm started operations in Ei, Kagoshima. A mackerel farm is also planned to start commercial operations in 2026. [18][19][20][21]

History

[edit]
  • 1908 – Founder Ichiro Tamura constructed Daiichi-Maru (199 gross tons), the first steel-frame trawler in Japan
  • 1911 – Ichiro Tamura established the Tamura Steamship Fishery Division in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and started trawling in cooperation with Kosuke Kunishi and other people (foundation of Nippon Suisan)
  • 1920 – Hayatomo Fishery Research Group, the first private fishery research organization in Japan, was established
  • 1929 – The base of fishery moved from Shimonoseki to Tobata, Fukuoka Prefecture
  • 1934 – First whaling expedition conducted in the Antarctic Ocean
  • 1937 – Company name changed to Nippon Suisan
  • 1946 – First postwar whaling expedition conducted in the Antarctic Ocean with permission of the General Headquarters (GHQ)
  • 1949 – Nippon Suisan listed its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange
  • 1952 – North Sea fisheries reopened and NISSUI's mother ship-type salmon and trout fleet began fishing.
  • 1966 – Head office moved to the present address (Nippon Building in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
  • 1974 – Unisea founded in the U.S
  • 1978 – EMDEPES founded in Santiago, Chile, as a fishery base
  • 1988 – NISSUI acquired Salmones Antartica, a salmon and trout aquaculture company in Chile
  • 1990 – NISSUI obtained approval to make "EPA-E NISSUI," a drug substance
  • 1995 – involved in financing a management-buyout of ANZCO Foods (just over 25% shareholding; minor partner to Itoham Foods), a meat producer in New Zealand[22]
  • 2001 – Acquired 50% of shares of Sealord, a fishery company in New Zealand
Acquired from Unilever Gorton's and Blue Water, pre-cooked frozen seafood brands for household use in North America
  • 2002 – Acquired 25% of shares of Alaska Ocean Seafood
  • 2004 – Founded NAL Peru, a procurement company specializing in fish meat and fish oil, in Lima, Peru
Founded Europacifico, a marketer of marine products, in Vigo, Spain
  • 2005 – Acquired King & Prince Seafood, a U.S. company of pre-cooked frozen seafood for business use
  • 2006 – Acquired three marketers of marine products: Nordic Seafood in Denmark, F.W. Bryce in the U.S. and Nordsee in Brazil
  • 2007 – Acquired shares of Cité Marine S.A.S., a processed seafood company in France
DOSA was established in Chile in order to administrating, marketing, and distributing for group fishery companies in Chile
  • 2008 – Qingdao Nissui Food Research and Development founded
Acquired 25% of shares of Glacier Fish Company
Hokkaido Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. founded
  • 2009 – TN Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. founded
Acquired Hokkaido Fine Chemicals Co from Nikkashi[23]
  • 2010 – Acquired shares of Delmar
Nordic Seafood A/S becomes consolidated subsidiary
  • 2011 – Opening The Nissui Pioneer Exhibition Center[24]
  • 2012 – The Medium-Term Management Plan 2014(MVIP) was initiated.
  • 2013 – "Yumigahama Suisan Co., Ltd" was established for domestic Coho Salmon farming.
  • 2014 – Head office moved to Nishi-Shimbashi Square in Minato-ku, Tokyo.[25]
  • 2015 – Nissui sells part of its shareholding in ANZCO Foods to Itoham Foods[22]
  • 2018 – Nissui sells remaining part of its shareholding in ANZCO Foods to Itoham Foods[26]
  • 2019 – Acquired 75% of shares of Flatfish Ltd
  • 2023 – Invested in first startup, Australian Asparagopsis producer, Immersion Group.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nissui

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, formerly known as Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., is a Japanese multinational engaged primarily in the marine products industry, encompassing , , , and distribution of and related foodstuffs. Founded in 1911 by Ichiro Tamura as the Tamura Steamship Fishery Company in , , the firm pioneered industrial-scale and expanded into global operations, achieving recognition as one of the world's largest companies by the mid-20th century. Headquartered at Nishi-Shimbashi Square in , Nissui operates across segments including marine products, food manufacturing, fine chemicals, and logistics, with consolidated revenues driven by sustainable resource utilization and international acquisitions such as the U.S.-based Gorton's brand. The company rebranded to in 2022, reflecting its evolution from traditional fisheries to diversified food solutions amid challenges like and climate impacts on marine ecosystems. Notable achievements include innovations in full life-cycle farming and contributions to fishery , though it has faced scrutiny over past involvement in and isolated incidents of regulatory violations in distant-water .

Corporate Profile

Founding and Evolution

Nissui Corporation originated in May 1911 with the establishment of the Tamura Steamship Company by Ichiro Tamura in , , , which initiated large-scale operations using the steam-powered vessel Minato Maru. This marked an early in Japan's industrial fisheries, shifting from traditional small-scale methods to mechanized deep-sea harvesting to exploit abundant marine resources. The venture began as the Department of Tamura Kisen Company, emphasizing trawl fishing amid Japan's growing demand for . By September 1917, the entity reorganized as Kyodo Gyogyo Kaisha to consolidate operations, followed by a formal renaming to Kyodo Gyogyo Kaisha, Limited in , signaling a structured corporate phase with expanded fleet capabilities. Key early advancements included the February 1920 founding of the Hayatomo Fishery Research Institute, Japan's first private marine research facility, and the May 1922 introduction of U.S.-sourced processing technology, enabling byproduct utilization and . International expansion commenced with trawling in 1929, fishing in Mexico's in 1935, and operations off in 1936, alongside domestic diversification into cold storage via Tobata Reizo K.K. in 1927. Incorporated as Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Limited in 1937, the company formalized its structure amid Japan's pre-war fishery boom, launching advanced vessels like the 980-ton Suruga Maru in 1938, then the world's largest trawler. Post-World War II reconstruction from 1952 onward involved resuming northern Pacific operations, scaling to factory ships by the 1970s, and adapting to exclusive economic zones through joint ventures in regions like , , and the U.S. This evolution broadened scope from raw to , , and chemicals, with milestones including harvesting in 1974 and U.S. subsidiaries like Great Land Seafoods in 1985. On December 1, 2022, the firm rebranded as Nissui Corporation to underscore its transition toward comprehensive solutions, encompassing sustainable and global supply chains beyond conventional fisheries. This name change, after over a century of operations under prior titles, reflects ongoing adaptations to environmental regulations, technological advancements, and diversified segments like introduced in 1987.

Core Operations and Segments

Nissui Corporation's core operations center on the integrated , encompassing through and , processing into consumer products, and distribution via specialized . The company leverages global operations to secure , primarily white-meat fish such as and , while extending into value-added and ancillary services. The Marine Products Business segment involves operations and , targeting species like in through subsidiaries such as Salmones Antártica S.A. and land-based farming in via Danish Salmon. This segment secures raw materials across regions including , , , , and , with activities focused on sustainable harvesting and cultivation to supply downstream processing. In the Food Products Business, Nissui processes marine catches into frozen, fried, and chilled items, including branded products like those from Gorton's, Inc. in the U.S. and Seafood Corporation for value-added items such as breaded shrimp. Operations emphasize manufacturing for retail, food service, and fast-food chains, with facilities in (e.g., Thai Delmar Co., Ltd.) and (e.g., Cité Marine S.A.S.), generating significant from diversified product lines beyond raw . The Fine Chemicals Business derives pharmaceuticals, health foods, and materials from , capitalizing on biochemical properties for specialized applications. This segment diversifies beyond traditional fisheries into high-value extracts, supporting Nissui's shift toward in non-food marine derivatives. Supporting these are the General Distribution Business, managed by Nissui Logistics Corporation, which handles cold-chain , storage, and transportation tailored to perishable , ensuring efficient global supply. The Others segment includes engineering and construction activities related to fisheries infrastructure, though it constitutes a minor portion of operations.

Global Presence and Subsidiaries

Nissui Corporation operates an extensive international network centered on sourcing, , trading, and distribution, with subsidiaries spanning , , , and /. This structure supports the company's marine products and food segments by securing supply chains, enhancing capabilities, and accessing key markets for frozen and value-added . As of the latest available data, Nissui maintains 27 overseas subsidiaries, enabling localized operations in , , and sales while integrating global and . North America: The region hosts seven subsidiaries, primarily in the United States, focusing on processing and sales of marine products and branded foods. Key entities include Nissui USA, Inc., a holding company in Redmond, Washington; UniSea, Inc., handling marine products processing and sales in Redmond; F.W. Bryce, Inc., managing purchasing and sales in Gloucester, Massachusetts; Glacier Fish Company, LLC, specializing in fishery processing in Seattle, Washington; Gorton’s, Inc., producing and selling frozen seafood in Gloucester; BlueWater Seafoods, Inc., focused on food sales in Gloucester; and King & Prince Seafood Corporation, engaged in food production and sales in Brunswick, Georgia. These operations bolster Nissui's presence in the U.S. consumer market for products like battered fish and shrimp. South America: Five subsidiaries operate here, with a emphasis on for fisheries and . Nissui América Latina S.A., a in Santiago, oversees regional activities; Empresa de Desarrollo Pesquero de Chile S.A. (EMDEPES) manages processing and sales in Santiago; Salmones Antártica S.A. handles and processing in Chonchi; Nissui América Latina Perú S.A. deals in feed fats import/export in Lince, ; and Nordsee Comercial Importadora E Exportadora Ltda. focuses on marine products sales in Sao Paulo, . This footprint supports farming and processing amid regional resource abundance. Europe: The largest cluster, with 11 subsidiaries, targets processing, , and distribution across , the , , and . Notable ones include Nissui Europe B.V., a in the ; Nordic Seafood A/S and J.P. Klausen & Co. A/S for and in ; Flatfish Ltd. and Regal Fish Supplies Ltd. for processing and delivery in the ; Cite Marine S.A.S., Cap Océan S.A.S., Halieutis Fish & Co. S.A.S, and MITI S.A.S. for food and marine processing in ; Three Oceans Fish Company Ltd. for food production in the ; and Europacifico Alimentos Del Mar S.L. for and in . Recent expansions, such as acquisitions enhancing French and production capacities, underscore ongoing investment in value-added European products. Asia/Oceania: Seven subsidiaries facilitate processing and sales in , , , , and . These encompass Nissui (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Thai Delmar Co., Ltd. for processing and food in ; NIGICO Co., Ltd. for production and sales in ; Nissui Food Research and Development Co., Ltd. for quality control in ; Tai Mei Food Industrial Corp. for food in ; Sealord Group Ltd. for fisheries processing in ; and Australian Longline Pty Ltd. for fishery operations in . This network leverages proximity to Asian supply chains and 's fishing grounds for and premium exports. Overall, Nissui's subsidiary strategy emphasizes from harvest to market, with holding companies coordinating regional investments. In 2022, international operations contributed significantly to through brands like Gorton's and Sealord, reflecting to declining domestic Japanese demand by prioritizing global expansion in value-added categories such as and .

Historical Development

Early Establishment (1911–1945)

In May 1911, Ichiro Tamura established the Tamura Steamship Fishery Company in , , initiating operations with the Minato Maru, a vessel completed that March at a British after Tamura dispatched Kosuke Kunishi to the for expertise in modern fishing techniques. This marked the foundational step for what would become Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui), focusing on deep-sea to exploit Japan's coastal and offshore marine resources amid rising domestic demand for protein sources during early industrialization. The company's early fleet emphasized steam-powered vessels, enabling catches of bottom-dwelling species like and in the and beyond. By September 1917, the entity reorganized as Kyodo Gyogyo Kabushiki Kaisha to streamline cooperative fishing efforts, benefiting from post-World War I market booms in seafood exports. In February 1920, it founded the Hayatomo Fishery Research Institute, Japan's inaugural private-sector fisheries research body, which advanced techniques in stock assessment and vessel design. Technological progress continued with the May 1922 introduction of a U.S.-made Meakin fish meal processing machine, enabling industrial-scale reduction of bycatch into meal for animal feed and fertilizer, and the November 1927 completion of the diesel-powered trawler Kushiro Maru, which improved fuel efficiency and range. Infrastructure expanded in January 1929 with the Tobata Refrigeration Plant in Fukuoka, supporting chilled storage and distribution to urban markets. In July 1934, Kyodo Gyogyo affiliated with the industrial conglomerate, facilitating capital for fleet modernization amid Japan's militarizing economy. International ventures began in May 1935 when the Minato Maru harvested shrimp off , , followed by the Himeji Maru's operations near in May 1936, targeting high-value species for export. Under government directives for fisheries consolidation to bolster national self-sufficiency, the company restructured in October 1936 as a holding entity, then formalized as Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., on March 31, 1937, merging operations from Tamura's group and rivals into a unified with over 100 vessels. During (1937–1945), Nissui's activities shifted toward supporting imperial resource needs, including distant-water fishing in the Pacific and contributions to cold-storage infrastructure under national policy firms like Teikoku Suisan Tosei Kaisha formed in 1942, though operations faced fuel shortages and submarine threats that curtailed catches. By 1945, the fleet had diminished significantly due to wartime losses, setting the stage for post-war recovery.

Post-War Reconstruction and Expansion (1946–1990)

Following the end of , Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui) faced severe challenges, including the loss of overseas bases in the to Soviet control and widespread destruction of facilities, but began reconstruction by resuming core operations under Japan's recovering economy. In 1946, the company restarted production of traditional processed seafood like yaki-chikuwa, marking an early step in rebuilding its and domestic market presence. By 1950, Nissui's status as a restricted company under Allied occupation was lifted, enabling greater operational freedom. The early 1950s saw renewed focus on fisheries expansion, supported by the 1952 , which allowed resumption of northern seas operations with U.S. financial aid and reduced government controls. In May 1952, postwar and commenced with the Tenryu Maru, followed by flounder operations using the Asama Maru and Miyajima Maru later that year; fish sausage production also began at the Tobata Plant in October. harvesting started in April 1955 with the Yoko Maru, diversifying catches amid growing demand for marine proteins. The Tobata Plant shifted to full-scale frozen product manufacturing, while research initiated in 1959 led to innovations like the first frozen household item, , produced by Teion Reizo. Domestic processing and consumer products expanded rapidly in the 1960s, reflecting Japan's and . The Five-Year Reformation Plan launched in April 1959 aimed at modernization, coinciding with offshore trials aboard the Gyokuei Maru in 1960 and the completion of the Harumi Coldstore in May. Nissui entered branded foods with "Nissui Delux " in March 1961, followed by the Hachioji General Plant in June 1962 and cheese sales in July; instant "Nissui " debuted in 1965, while "Chibikko " became a bestseller in 1967. applications advanced, with equipment installed on the Shikishima Maru in February 1967 and Alaska integration into sausages and ham by July 1970. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1961 and completed the world's largest trawler, Yamato Maru, in October 1970. International expansion accelerated from the , driven by depleted near-shore stocks and global opportunities. Nissui launched Japan's largest 2,500-ton trawler in 1960 and established its first overseas outpost in , , in 1962 for African operations; by 1967, extended to North America's east coast, with further ventures off and . Joint ventures formed in , , , and during the , alongside outposts in Halifax, , and , , by 1972; a 5,000-ton trawler and 21,700-ton joined the fleet in 1970, and fishing began in waters in 1974. In the U.S., Nippon Suisan (U.S.A.) was founded in March 1974, followed by Unisea in May; the first Japan-U.S. offshore purchasing occurred with the Kongo Maru in June 1981. , a staple, wound down with the Tonan Maru II's final expedition in October 1975 and operations transfer to Nippon Kyodo Hogei in June 1976, fully abolished by March 1977 amid international pressures. By the 1980s, Nissui pursued and diversification. EMDEPES opened in Santiago, , in October 1978, and PESPASA in , , in April 1981, bolstering South American bases. The 70th anniversary in May 1981 highlighted seven decades of adaptation. UniSea became a wholly-owned U.S. in August 1985, followed by Great Land Seafoods, Inc., in ; acquisitions included Salmones Antartica S.A. in and of Nippon Suisan (Europe) B.V. in the in December 1988. Further subsidiaries emerged: A & N Foods Co. in and Dongil Frozen Foods Co. in Korea in 1987, Nippon Suisan America Latina S.A. in in February 1990. A and Division launched in 1987, yielding EPA drug approvals like "EPA-E NISSUI" in March 1990 and "Epadel" collaboration in August. King crab operations ended with the Yoko Maru's final voyage in September 1973, and salmon suspended in May 1978 with the Nojima Maru. By fiscal 1990, sales reached ¥481.1 billion with 3,772 employees, underscoring sustained growth in marine products, , and emerging health sectors.

Contemporary Globalization (1991–Present)

In the and early , Nissui shifted focus toward international expansion to secure stable supply chains amid declining domestic fish resources and growing global demand for , establishing subsidiaries like Nippon Suisan America Latina S.A. in in 1990 to support operations in . This period marked the beginning of strategic overseas investments, including a 50% stake in New Zealand's Sealord Products in 2001, enhancing access to fisheries. The mid-2000s accelerated globalization through multiple acquisitions in and , such as the October 2001 purchase of U.S. brands Gorton's and Bluewater Seafoods for pre-cooked frozen products, valued at $175 million, which bolstered Nissui's in the largest seafood-consuming region. Further moves included a 25% stake in Ocean Seafood in March 2002, full acquisition of U.S.-based Seafood in July 2005 for institutional frozen , and in April 2006, takeovers of Denmark's Nordic Seafood, U.S. marketer F.W. Bryce, and Brazil's to diversify marketing channels. European foothold strengthened with a stake in France's Cite Marine S.A.S. in October 2007 and Taiwan's Tai Mei Food Industrial Corp. in December 2007, alongside a 25% investment in U.S. Glacier Fish Company in June 2008. By consolidating Nordic Seafood A/S in August 2010, Nissui integrated these assets into a cohesive overseas network. From the 2010s onward, Nissui emphasized and processed foods abroad, acquiring full shares of Spain's Delmar in July 2010 and establishing U.K. subsidiary Seafoods via in April 2017. Investments targeted sustainable farming, including capital participation in Australia's Seafarms Group Ltd. for in May 2018 and a stake in Denmark's Danish Salmon A/S for land-based in April 2020. European processing expanded with the May 2019 acquisition of U.K.'s Ltd. and June 2021 purchase of Three Fish Company Ltd. by Nissui Europe B.V. Recent developments include Nordic Seafood A/S acquiring Maxima Seafood Holding in December 2023, reinforcing across continents. These efforts have positioned Nissui with subsidiaries and joint ventures spanning the , , , and , contributing over half of group revenue from overseas operations by the early 2020s.

Business Operations

Marine Products and Fisheries

Nissui Corporation's marine products business operates a comprehensive global that integrates , , processing, and sales of . The segment procures resources through direct operations, farming, and international trading networks, enabling access to diverse marine species amid declining natural stocks. In 2023, the Nissui Group handled approximately 2.71 million tons of wild-caught on a live weight equivalent basis, equivalent to roughly 2.7% of the world's total wild catch volume. Domestic fishing activities in primarily involve inshore purse seine operations conducted by subsidiary Kyowa Fishery Co., Ltd., targeting suitable for coastal waters. These efforts complement broader procurement strategies that include deep-sea historically pioneered by Nissui and ongoing global vessel operations. forms a critical pillar, with the group cultivating high-value such as , , (80-150 kg category), and through specialized entities like Kurose Suisan Co., Ltd., Yumigahama Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., and Nissui Maguro Co., Ltd. Innovations include full life-cycle farming from eggs to harvest, for resistance and growth efficiency, and production of specialized formula feeds to reduce reliance on wild . Internationally, Nissui's fisheries span multiple regions via subsidiaries, including EMDEPES in South America for offshore fishing, Australian Longline Fishing Pty Ltd. for targeted longline catches, and Sealord Group Ltd. in New Zealand for resource access in the South Pacific. Aquaculture extends to salmon farming by Salmones Antártica in Chile and land-based facilities like Danish Salmon in Europe, emphasizing scalable, environmentally controlled production. Processing operations convert raw catches into fresh, frozen, and value-added products such as surimi, roe, and fish oil, with major facilities under brands like UniSea, Inc. in North America and Cité Marine S.A.S. in France handling procurement, filleting, and packaging for wholesale and retail markets. Sales channels prioritize food service and consumer products, leveraging logistics for traceability from ocean to shelf.

Processed Food Products

Nissui's processed food products encompass frozen prepared foods for household and commercial use, shelf-stable items, and surimi-derived goods including fish sausages and products. This segment leverages the company's marine resources to create value-added items, with production centered in and extended through international subsidiaries. The division's origins trace to the , when Nissui diversified from raw fisheries into land-based processing, introducing fish sausages and frozen foods; its inaugural frozen product, (savory egg custard), launched in 1959. Expansion continued with innovations like surimi-based analogs, which utilize minced fish to mimic textures of , , and other , enabling products such as imitation crabmeat for global markets. In , Nissui's subsidiary Gorton's specializes in breaded and fried whitefish fillets for retail alongside items for foodservice, supported by a new USD 89.3 million processing facility in opened on October 8, 2025, to enhance capacity for premium seafood meals. The company aims to scale and output by 50% via a planned , targeting annual sales of approximately $1.3 billion in this category. Nissui incorporates functional ingredients, such as EPA-rich formulations in sausages, to promote benefits like cardiovascular support, drawing on proprietary processing technologies. Overseas operations, including Thai Delmar in and UK-based entities focused on , integrate local preferences while maintaining and frozen specialties as core offerings.

Diversified Ventures (Chemicals and Engineering)

Nissui Corporation's Fine Chemicals business segment derives high-value compounds from marine resources, primarily focusing on omega-3 fatty acids such as (EPA) and (DHA). Research into EPA extraction began in the late 1970s, leading to Nissui becoming the world's first manufacturer of EPA as a pharmaceutical in 1980. These chemicals are produced through advanced purification processes, achieving EPA purity levels exceeding 96.5% via primary and specialized deodorization techniques for . The segment supplies EPA for pharmaceutical applications, including treatments for obliterans approved in 1990 and in 1994, as well as functional raw materials for supplements, formulas, nutritional products, and . Production is supported by subsidiaries like Hokkaido Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., established in December 2009 in , , which processes functional from fish sources and maintains 19 specialized 1,000 kL tanks for unrefined storage to ensure raw material stability. In 2016, Nissui invested 8 billion yen (approximately $72.4 million) in a new EPA production plant to expand capacity. The business received U.S. FDA certification for high-purity EPA active pharmaceutical ingredient () production in 2021, enabling shipments to international markets including the . Complementing the chemicals operations, Nissui's engineering ventures encompass and technical consulting services tailored to marine and production facilities. Nissui Engineering Co., Ltd., a key subsidiary, provides expertise in building and optimizing such as processing plants and storage systems, supporting the group's fisheries, food, and chemicals segments. This includes marine-related engineering for vessel and logistics, as part of the company's broader "Others" segment activities. These efforts integrate solutions to enhance in processing and distribution, though they represent a smaller portion of Nissui's overall portfolio compared to core marine and food businesses.

Sustainability and Resource Management

Fisheries Sustainability Initiatives

Nissui Corporation has pursued fisheries sustainability through its "Good Foods 2030" long-term vision, which includes a commitment to achieve 100% of sustainable marine products by 2030, emphasizing responsible sourcing and . The company conducts periodic internal surveys of procured to assess , with the third survey in 2023 (published October 8, 2024) evaluating 2.76 million tonnes of raw-fish equivalent volume, finding that 83% originated from fisheries with management frameworks and 75% rated as "Well Managed" or "Managed" under third-party analysis by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. This represents an improvement from prior surveys, including the 2016 inaugural assessment and the 2019 survey covering 2.71 million tonnes, with specific gains in "Well Managed" ratings rising 17 percentage points to 35%. Central to these efforts is Nissui's participation in the Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS) initiative, joined in December 2016, which addresses issues such as reduction, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) prevention, and in supply chains. The company also engages in Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) for species needing enhancement, traceability improvements with suppliers for products like fishmeal and , and suspension of for lacking recovery measures by 2030, as outlined in its 2022 Endangered Species Policy. Additionally, Nissui collaborates on the Global Ghost Gear Initiative to mitigate abandoned gear impacts and conducts risk assessments in chains, prioritizing issues like forced labor identified in its December 2020 evaluation. A key component involves advancing (MSC) certifications for wild-capture , with Nissui promoting eco-labeled products to verify sustainable practices. Notable achievements include MSC certification for the Kyowa Fishery Co., Ltd. purse seine targeting skipjack and in the Western and Central , obtained February 15, 2024—the first for a Japanese-flagged vessel in that region—and for the australis in Chilean waters on September 24, 2019. In the 2023 survey, 29% of procured (approximately 800,000 tonnes) came from MSC-certified , supporting 44 certified products with 6,439.6 tonnes in . Nissui's Marine Resource Subcommittee, under its , oversees these and broader procurement targets, including 100% Tier-1 supplier assessments by fiscal 2024 (92% achieved in fiscal 2023). These initiatives are supported by stakeholder dialogues, such as the fifth on September 13, 2021, incorporating third-party expert input for transparency.

Aquaculture and Technological Advancements

Nissui has expanded its aquaculture operations to address declining wild and meet demand for , focusing on species such as (Seriola quinqueradiata), (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and (Litopenaeus vannamei). The company operates farms in , , and other regions, integrating with its marine products business to enhance supply stability. In farming, Nissui implements programs to select for superior traits like faster growth and disease resistance, conducted at facilities including the Oita Marine Biological Technology Center. Since 2006, the company has advanced full-life cycle by developing techniques for early egg collection and artificial juvenile production, enabling cultivation from farm-spawned fish rather than wild captures and reducing dependency on natural resources. This approach has accelerated growth rates and improved farmed fish quality through optimized breeding and cultivation methods. For production, Nissui has invested in proprietary feeds that enhance fat content and flavor, supporting applications like while maintaining nutritional profiles. In 2025, the company launched a project targeting full-scale operations with an annual capacity of 10,000 metric tons, emphasizing technological integration for efficiency in regions like . Offshore advancements include pens to mitigate impacts and automated piped feeding systems, which improve productivity and biosecurity across large-scale sites. Nissui's land-based shrimp aquaculture employs to recycle water and minimize environmental discharge, achieving initial profitability in fiscal 2024 through proprietary cost-reduction innovations that lowered production expenses to several million yen per shipment. The Oita center also develops feeds free of antibiotics and synthetic additives to promote and reduce risks. These technologies align with broader goals of zero fish escapes and minimized use, informed by impact assessments.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Nissui Corporation conducts periodic evaluations of its operations' impacts on marine ecosystems and fishery resources, primarily through internal surveys and third-party aligned frameworks rather than project-specific statutory environmental impact assessments under Japan's laws. In 2022 (ending March 2023), the company evaluated potential changes in allowable catches for key species like and under climate scenarios of 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C warming by 2030 and 2050, using a (FAO) model; results indicated modest effects by 2030 but significant declines by 2050, particularly for , prompting calls for adaptive strategies. The company's marine resource status surveys represent a core assessment mechanism. The second survey, completed in 2019, analyzed 2.71 million tons of wild-caught fish procured by the group using Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) FishSource and Ocean Disclosure Project (ODP) methodologies, finding 71% rated as "Well Managed" or "Managed," 8% needing improvement, and 21% unscored due to data gaps. The third survey, incorporating 2022 procurement data and conducted in 2023, concluded that Nissui's activities exert no serious overall impact on marine environments or resources, though localized issues persist, with recommendations for ongoing monitoring and adjustments. A planned fourth survey in 2024 aims to integrate results into enhanced sustainability strategies.
SurveyYearVolume Assessed (tons)Key RatingsConclusions
Second Marine Resource Status Survey20192.71 million (wild-caught)71% Well Managed/Managed; 8% Needs Improvement; 21% UnscoredAdequate management in majority; data gaps highlight monitoring needs.
Third Marine Resource Status Survey2023 (2022 data)Not specifiedNo serious group-wide impact identifiedIssues remain; emphasizes regular third-party verified surveys.
Since fiscal year 2023, Nissui has applied the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) LEAP approach and ENCORE tool to diagnose dependencies and impacts across fisheries and , identifying high reliance on marine biodiversity and risks from practices like feed usage affecting . In 2023, the company disclosed its inaugural dependence and impact assessment, evaluating risks and opportunities in upstream supply chains. A March 2025 assessment by consultancy ERM, aligned with TNFD, reviewed Nissui's , , and for nature-related impacts to support an "Impact Finance for Nature" loan from Sumitomo Trust Bank; it examined key performance indicators, targets, and measures, providing guidance to integrate considerations into financing without disclosing granular findings publicly. Aquaculture-specific evaluations focus on site-level risks, including environmental monitoring of fish farms for effluent and feed impacts, as noted in group-wide risk reports. Water risk assessments using the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct tool, conducted in fiscal year 2022 across manufacturing and logistics sites, inform reductions in usage amid dependencies on coastal and freshwater systems. These efforts, while self-directed or commissioned, align with certifications like (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which incorporate independent environmental audits; in 2023, Nissui reported 44 MSC-certified products (6,439.6 tons) and 5 ASC-certified (54.6 tons).

Controversies and Criticisms

Human Rights and Labor Practices

The Nissui Group established its Policy on September 10, 2020, committing to respect the and the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, including prohibitions on forced and child labor. The policy aligns with the Guiding Principles on Business and , prioritizing international standards over conflicting local laws, and extends to all group executives, employees, and business partners such as suppliers. It mandates continuous human rights to identify and mitigate risks, regular training for personnel, , remediation for adverse impacts, and public disclosure of initiatives. Nissui assigns dedicated responsibility for policy implementation and integrates considerations into , including s conducted in line with the policy. In 2023, the company performed a to pinpoint latent and actual risks across operations. It publicly affirms adherence to core and extends these commitments to suppliers, as evaluated in independent benchmarks. Criticisms have focused on gaps in transparency, particularly in distant-water fisheries. A 2018 Greenpeace report, "Misery at Sea," documented labor abuses including physical violence, excessive work hours exceeding 20 per day, , and fatalities on Taiwanese vessels supplied by Fong Chun Formosa Fishery Company (FCF), identifying Nissui as a buyer of FCF-sourced for the Japanese market. A 2021 survey by Human Rights Now, a Japanese NGO, noted Nissui's policy alignment with UN standards but highlighted insufficient beyond primary suppliers, lack of public supplier disclosure, and limited on secondary and tertiary tiers, recommending enhanced vessel-level audits and crew interviews. Nissui has denied direct involvement in specific abusive vessels, such as China's Longxing 629, and conducted internal risk analyses using such cases.

Overfishing and Regulatory Challenges

Nissui, as one of Japan's largest companies with extensive operations, has encountered regulatory scrutiny amid global concerns over and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Declining worldwide have prompted stricter international and national regulations, including catch limits and discard bans, which directly impact and vessel operations. In its risk assessments, Nissui has identified as a key vulnerability, potentially triggering enhanced quotas and compliance requirements that could constrain supply chains. Subsidiaries of Nissui have faced fines for fisheries violations. In November 2014, the Chilean arm Empresas de Desarrollo Pesquero (Empedes) was caught fishing in disputed waters, resulting in a ARS 7.5 million fine (approximately $517,500 USD at the time) imposed by Argentine authorities in 2016, the highest such penalty issued in the case; the fine was paid in full. More recently, in a case upheld by 's in September 2025, the subsidiary Empresa de Desarrollo Pesquero de Chile (EMDEPES) was fined approximately $350,000 for unauthorized dumping of hoki catches aboard the vessel Unzen, violating 's fisheries on discards aimed at curbing waste and ; the breach was detected through onboard digital monitoring by Sernapesca inspectors. In , where many stocks are overfished, Nissui grapples with domestic regulatory shifts, including the 2020 amendments to the Fisheries Law that emphasize managed fisheries and to address long-term declines since the . Historically, Nissui's involvement in drew accusations of contributing to whale , prompting a 2005-2006 consumer boycott by and Sea Shepherd against its unit Sealord, which led Nissui to divest stakes in whaling vessels. These incidents highlight operational challenges in complying with evolving rules in high-seas and exclusive economic zones, where enforcement varies and geopolitical tensions, such as those over the Falklands, complicate adherence.

Responses and Reforms

In response to criticisms regarding and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Nissui Group has conducted annual surveys of procured since 2020, with the third survey in 2022 covering 2.76 million tonnes across 37 companies, revealing 83% from managed fisheries and 29% from MSC-certified sources, up from 25% previously. The company prioritizes species with unclear status, such as those used in fishmeal and , through roundtable discussions, fishery improvement projects (FIPs), and enhanced supplier traceability to mitigate risks. Under the Nissui Group Procurement , procurement of high-risk species will be suspended by 2030 unless recovery measures like MSC certification or FIPs are implemented, addressing vulnerabilities in stocks like via participation in WWF Japan's conservation pledge. To combat IUU fishing, Nissui revised its Supplier Guideline in June 2022 to explicitly prohibit handling products from such activities, distributing it to over 500 Tier-1 suppliers and conducting risk-based audits and on-site visits through a dedicated Subcommittee. These measures recognize the linkage between IUU fishing and abuses, such as forced labor, by integrating enhancements and evaluations of procurement-related violations. On and labor practices, Nissui formulated its Group Human Rights Policy in September 2020, aligned with UN Guiding Principles, committing to respect across the ; a 2024 risk assessment identified key issues including forced labor, child labor, and occupational safety, with updates incorporating stakeholder input every few years. Reforms include annual surveys at 41-45 sites since FY2022 to monitor foreign workers' conditions, addressing gaps like language barriers via multilingual contracts, pay slips, and safety training in 22 languages across 45 sites by FY2024, alongside grievance mechanisms. The company joined JP-MIRAI in September 2022 for multi-stakeholder grievance redress and JaCER in April 2023 to support foreign technical interns, enhancing oversight.

Economic and Market Impact

Financial Performance Metrics

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (FY2024), Nissui Corporation achieved record-high consolidated net sales and operating income, with attributable to owners of the parent marking its highest level for the fourth consecutive year. Consolidated net sales reached 886.1 billion , reflecting growth driven by increased sales in marine products and food products segments, bolstered by favorable exchange rates and demand for chilled foods. Operating income and ordinary income also hit record highs, supported by efficiencies in core operations despite profit pressures in certain marine product areas. Return on invested capital (ROIC) improved to 6.1%, indicating enhanced capital efficiency. Net income attributable to owners stood at 25.4 billion yen, up from 23.9 billion yen in FY2023, with at approximately 81.7 yen (diluted). Total assets and net assets expanded, though specific figures for items emphasized sustained equity growth amid diversified streams. The company declared a year-end of 16 yen per share, resulting in an annual payout of 28 yen, marking the sixth consecutive year of increases. In the first quarter of FY2025 (April 1 to June 30, 2025), operating profit rose by about 6% year-over-year, primarily from strong performances in operations and North American , offsetting challenges in other segments. Quarterly reached 6.5 billion yen. EBITDA for the trailing twelve months was 58.8 billion yen, with gross profit at 141.1 billion yen, underscoring operational resilience in a volatile global seafood market.
Metric (FY2024, billions JPY unless noted)ValueYear-over-Year Change
Net Sales886.1Increase to record high
Operating IncomeN/ARecord high
(attributable to owners)25.4+6.4% from FY2023
ROIC6.1%Improved
EPS (diluted, yen)81.7N/A

Industry Contributions and Innovations

Nissui has advanced efficiency through the adoption of robotic feeding systems, installing such technology in silver pens off Japan's coast in 2016 to enhance productivity and reduce labor dependency. The company pursues full-life cycle for select , rearing from eggs produced by farmed rather than relying on wild-caught juveniles, which supports stability and in operations across and . Additionally, Nissui developed the NISSUI Aquaculture Health Management System (N-AHMS) to monitor and manage health comprehensively, integrating data for prevention and optimized growth in farmed environments. In 2024, Nissui achieved its first profit from land-based by implementing proprietary technologies that lowered production costs, enabling shipments yielding several million yen in fiscal returns and demonstrating viability for controlled-environment amid fluctuating marine conditions. The company's Oita Marine Biological Technology Center focuses on breeding fully farmed with minimal environmental , including innovations in closed systems that reduce reliance on resources and mitigate ecological risks. These efforts align with broader industry shifts toward "complete aquaculture," where Nissui invests in techniques to spawn and rear independently of populations, enhancing resilience to climate variability. Nissui contributes to fishing method innovations, refining trawl technologies to improve catch efficiency and maintain seafood freshness, which supports supply chain reliability for global markets. In June 2025, the company launched its inaugural program to collaborate on sustainable food solutions, extending beyond traditional to foster new models through partnerships. These developments, rooted in over a century of operations, position Nissui as a key driver in Japan's sector, emphasizing technological integration for resource optimization.

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