Blue Diamond Growers, which claims to be the world’s largest almond marketer and processor, has announced that Kagome Co Ltd, known as a manufacturer and distributor of tomato-based foods, and fruit and vegetable juices, will now operate all production and distribution in Japan.
Blue Diamond intends to utilize Kagome’s market knowledge to increase sales and consumption of Almond Breeze in Japan. The new partnership will focus on accelerating market growth and increasing demand for Almond Breeze, and additionally, new products will also be launched through Kagome in September of this year.
Almond’s popularity in Japan
The almond milk category in Japan continues to see year-on-year growth and almond is one of the most preferred plant milk in the country after soy. “The growth of the soy milk market (6.8% per year on average) attracted almond milks to Japan, beginning in 2013 when US Brand Almond Breeze made [its] market entry. Since then, the almond milk market has seen yearly double-digit growth in sales. Though still a relatively minor segment, almond milk has been dubbed Japan’s “third milk” for earning a prominent spot next to soy on shelves,” stated GourmetPro.
Like Blue Diamond, Kagome has been in the market for over 100 years and has an integrated value chain from farming and production to processing and sales. The processing and marketing capabilities and the well-established distribution network in the Japanese market provide Kagome with a unique position to successfully carry the Almond Breeze brand forward.
“Both Blue Diamond and Kagome have a rich history built on strong values and a commitment to producing quality products for consumers,” said Kai Bockmann, President and CEO of Blue Diamond. “I look forward to our strong partnership that will create growth in Japan and ultimately support our 3,000 California almond growers.”
More information: bluediamond.com and kagome.co
