Mr. Sakai said, " I am focusing on global management. Under these severe conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, my first priority is to strengthen our management base, and continue with our purpose and precepts while aiming for a growth strategy.” "I will implement ESG management, and progress our model for its realization. Plant-based Food Solutions (PBFS), has been a core concept for the company since its foundation. I will continue with this concept and grow a third business pillar to add to the oil and fat business and the chocolate business.”
Mr. Sakai said, "Our company was founded to solve the problems of the planet and its people, such as global warming and environmental destruction, which form the backbone of ESG management these days. This way of thinking led to our Group Management Philosophy of "Work for people". We believe that our strength lies in processing technology . I want to create a business that promotes ESG management in the processed food business focusing on plant-based protein or vegetable oils and fats as the main raw material and contribute to the Protein Transition using the technologies we have developed during our long history focusing on plant protein functionality and taste.”
Commenting on the development of PBF (plant-based food) such as soy meat, Mr. Sakai said, "Soybeans have been eaten in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia for a long time. However, this is not the case in Europe and the United States. Instead of relying solely on soybeans as the raw material for plant-based protein, I want to consider all plant-based materials within PBF. Another potential area is to support the many startups that are new to meat analogs by providing ingredients with a “plus alpha” so they can differentiate themselves from their competition. We have various technologies available on an industrial scale. These are major topics and we aim to solve them through R&D and commercialization."
"In 2020, each business unit has experienced the massive impact of COVID-19. At the same time, there are many areas of global governance that remain to be resolved. To launch and promote a profitable new business, I think that strengthening the foundations of our management is a key issue. We have a regional structure focused on cost management and securing profit, and want to clarify the functions of the Group holding company and the regional headquarters and their KPIs. In terms of governance, further alignment between the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and the management council is required. Creating the third business pillar will help clarify the division of roles and responsibilities and solidify the management base. "
“I will enhance our overall organizational structure so that we improve productivity and profitability across the Group.”