Honorary CEO of Kikkoman
Kikkoman is the world’s #1 producer of soy sauce. Mr. Mogi was responsible for opening Kikkoman factories in Walworth, Wisconsin in 1972 and Folsom, California in 1998. In April 2012, he gave a presentation at the U.S. Embassy’s “Food 2040” symposium with Keidanren representing the Japanese food industry.
Chairman of Nippon Flour Mills
Accepting the award for Nippn is
Mr. Tatsuo Amano, Managing Director
Nippon Flour Mills (Nippn) is one of the largest customers for U.S. wheat (in addition to being an important investor in wheat processing facilities in the United States). Mr. Sawada is also the former chairman of Japan’s Flour Millers’ Association.
President, Ushiwaka Shoji Co., Ltd
Ushiwaka Shoji Co., Ltd, is a major supplier of U.S. beef and pork to high-end restaurants and hotels in Tokyo and Western Japan, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of U.S. meat exports for over 30 years. Since 1993, Ushiwaka, working with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, has promoted U.S. products through educational outreach programs, such as the “U.S. Meat Renaissance”, for local chefs and high-end hotel/restaurant executives.
Chairman of Japan Imported Cheese Promotion Association (JICPA)
JICPA has supported the U.S. cheese industry in its marketing efforts in Japan. This collaboration has led to a record year for U.S. imports, with Japan importing around 21,500 metric tons of U.S. cheese in 2011, an increase of 57 percent over the previous year. 2012 is also expected to be a record year due to the efforts of JICPA and U.S. cheese producers.
President of WDI Group
WDI Group has introduced a number of upscale U.S. restaurants into Japan, including Ile Mulino NY, Hard Rock Café, Tony Roma’s, Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp, California Pizza Kitchen and Sarabeth’s. WDI has also shared valuable information about U.S. food culture and upgraded the image of U.S. food and agricultural products through its restaurant businesses in Japan.
