7/14/2011 --- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto) announced that it will reorganize its industrial and consumer food products business in Europe, in particular to strengthen sales in the consumer foods segment, by integrating operations under Paris-based AJINOMOTO FOODS EUROPE S.A.S. (AFE).

In July, AFE will absorb AJINOMOTO CONSUMER PRODUCTS EUROPE S.A.S. (ACPE), which currently oversees European consumer business. The company also will establish a branch office in London to strengthen sales in the U.K., the largest Chinese cuisine market in Europe, and a new product-development department for local products. In September Ajinomoto Poland Sp. z o. o. (APO) will become a subsidiary of AFE to serve as the base for consumer business in Eastern Europe and the supply of powdered seasonings and instant noodle products in Western Europe.

With the reorganization, AFE’s focus will expand from industrial businesses to additionally include consumer foods segments. More flexible decision-making and greater operational efficiency will enable the company to tailor sales to local needs. In particular, AFE will concentrate on Chinese, Japanese and other ethnic Asian restaurants in Europe, which have been expanding due to consumers’ widening taste preferences and rising health consciousness.

Ajinomoto, which is expanding operations on a significantly global basis, has made overseas food product business a core component of its FY2011-2013 medium-term management plan. In Europe and Africa, sales are expected to rise from JPY88.5 billion in the last fiscal year to more than JPY100 billion within three years.

Ajinomoto also plans to develop its Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia markets through closer coordination with Ajinomoto Istanbul Food Sales Ltd. and other business units in these regions.