ITOCHU Corporation has agreed to acquire all shares of Japanese food stabilizer manufacturer Takaragen Co., Ltd., making the company a subsidiary through ITOCHU Food Sales and Marketing Co., Ltd.
The acquisition, announced on 9 March 2026, will combine Takaragen’s expertise in food texture technologies with ITOCHU’s procurement network and food ingredient marketing capabilities.
Takaragen manufactures stabilizers and hydrocolloids used in a wide range of processed foods including desserts, beverages, hams, sausages, and seafood products. These ingredients help maintain product texture, stability, and consistent quality in large-scale food production.
ITOCHU said the integration will allow the group to expand its solution-oriented business in the food industry, particularly in the development of products requiring precise texture and quality control.
The company plans to use Takaragen’s technology alongside its existing ingredient solutions, including modified starches commonly used in products sold through convenience stores and the broader food manufacturing sector.
Takaragen has more than 50 years of experience in the production of food stabilizers. The company was founded in 1971 and focuses on hydrocolloids such as carrageenan, which are widely used to improve food texture and structural stability.
Its Minami-Izu Plant, which began operations in 2019, is equipped to handle high-mix, low-volume production and specialises in customised formulations tailored to individual manufacturing processes and distribution conditions.
One area expected to see growing demand is food designed for elderly consumers. Japan’s ageing population is increasing demand for so-called nursing care foods that must be easy to swallow while maintaining flavour, shelf life, and nutritional stability.
According to industry research cited by the company, Japan’s nursing care food market could reach around ¥140.5 billion by 2030. Stabilizer technologies such as hydrocolloids play an essential role in achieving the required texture and consistency for these products.
Through the acquisition, ITOCHU aims to use its global network to expand the application of Takaragen’s technologies while supporting the development of higher value-added food products.
The move also aligns with ITOCHU’s management policy “The Brand-new Deal — Profit opportunities are shifting downstream,” which focuses on expanding businesses closer to end consumers across the food value chain.
Takaragen reported net sales of ¥2.96 billion in the fiscal year ending January 2025.
Editor’s Note: This announcement was published by ITOCHU Corporation on 9 March 2026.
