Meiji

Corporate brand

Unclaimed Request correction

Meiji Group's ice cream business in Taiwan.

Last updated August 31, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Meiji Co., Ltd. is a Japanese food company and the principal food operating company of Meiji Holdings. Its business developed from the early twentieth-century dairy and confectionery operations that later became Meiji Dairies and Meiji Seika. The modern company was formed through the 2011 reorganization of the Meiji Group, when Meiji Dairies assumed the food and healthcare businesses of Meiji Seika and adopted the legal name Meiji Co., Ltd. Meiji Holdings remains the listed parent and manages the wider group, which also includes Meiji Seika Pharma and KM Biologics. Meiji’s portfolio spans everyday food, indulgence, nutrition, and health-oriented products. Its major categories include milk and other dairy products, yogurt, cheese, butter and spreads, ice cream, chocolate, gummies, biscuits and snack confectionery, frozen and prepared foods, infant and toddler nutrition, sports nutrition, beauty and wellness products, and medical or senior-care nutrition. The company’s product architecture combines mass-market staples with technically differentiated products positioned around taste, convenience, digestion, immunity, protein, or other nutritional benefits. The Meiji name has a particularly strong association with dairy and chocolate in Japan. Meiji Milk Chocolate, introduced in 1926, became one of the company’s foundational confectionery products. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt, launched nationally in 1973 after the company’s exposure to Bulgarian yogurt culture during the 1970 Osaka Expo, helped establish plain yogurt as a major Japanese food category. Other enduring brands include Hello Panda, Yan Yan, Kinoko no Yama, Takenoko no Sato, Apollo, Marble Chocolate, Almond Chocolate, Meiji Essel Super Cup ice cream, SAVAS sports nutrition, VAAM, Meiji Hohoemi infant formula, Meiji Step, Meiji Probio Yogurt, Chocolate Effect, and Meiji Balance nutritional foods. The company’s food and health positioning is supported by research and manufacturing capabilities developed over more than a century. Its infant-nutrition business traces back to Patrogen, introduced in 1923 as an early Japanese infant formula containing vitamin B1. Meiji later developed soft-curd powdered milk, cube-format powdered formula, and liquid infant formula. Its nutrition business extends from athletic protein products to enteral and balanced-nutrition products intended for older adults and people with reduced appetite or swallowing capacity. Meiji operates mainly in Japan but has expanded through subsidiaries, joint ventures, manufacturing sites, and distribution relationships across Asia and North America. CP-Meiji, established in Thailand with Charoen Pokphand, produces and markets dairy products including pasteurized milk and yogurt. In the United States, Meiji America develops the Meiji brand, while the group also owns Stauffer’s, a long-established cookie and cracker business. International expansion has focused on adapting Japanese food technology and recognizable products to local markets rather than treating the domestic portfolio as a single export package. The brand’s public identity emphasizes reliability, nutrition, scientific development, and familiarity across life stages. Meiji presents itself as a company that can serve consumers from infancy through old age, linking pleasure-oriented products such as chocolate and ice cream with functional products such as infant formula, protein, probiotic yogurt, and balanced nutrition. At the same time, the company faces the challenges common to mature food businesses: rising raw-material and logistics costs, changing demographics, intense competition in dairy and confectionery, the need to grow overseas, and heightened expectations for product safety and transparency. In 2025 and 2026, Meiji and its parent group emphasized portfolio reform, overseas growth, improved profitability, and renewed investment in wellness and food-science capabilities.

History

Meiji’s corporate history is rooted in two related Japanese food traditions: dairy production and confectionery manufacturing. The dairy lineage began in 1917 with the establishment of Far East Condensed Milk, the predecessor of Meiji Dairies. In parallel, the predecessor of Meiji Seika was established in 1916 as Tokyo Confectionery. These businesses developed separately but eventually became the two principal food-related foundations of the modern Meiji Group. During the 1920s, the early businesses broadened their product base. Condensed milk was commercialized under Meiji branding, infant formula development began with Patrogen in 1923, and Meiji Milk Chocolate was introduced in 1926. Meiji Milk followed in 1928. These products established a pattern that continued throughout the company’s history: combining mass-market food products with nutrition-oriented research and manufacturing expertise. The postwar period brought rapid product diversification. Meiji developed powdered milk technologies and expanded its dairy range, while the confectionery business introduced products that became enduring Japanese cultural references. Marble Chocolate appeared in 1961, Almond Chocolate in 1962, Karl snack products in 1968, and Apollo chocolate in 1969. The company also helped develop Japan’s plain-yogurt market. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt originated from the company’s contact with Bulgarian yogurt culture during the 1970 Osaka Expo and was launched nationally in 1973. It later became one of Meiji’s most important dairy franchises. From the 1980s onward, Meiji expanded into sports nutrition, functional foods, frozen products, gummies, prepared foods, and specialized nutrition. The SAVAS sports-protein series was introduced in 1980, followed by liquid nutrition products in 1986 and Kajyu Gummy in 1988. In 1989, the company established CP-Meiji in Thailand with Charoen Pokphand, creating an important overseas dairy platform. This period also saw the continued development of ice cream and confectionery brands, including Meiji Essel Super Cup and Galbo. The 1990s and 2000s strengthened Meiji’s connection between food and health. Meiji Balance entered the nutritional-food market in the 1990s. Meiji Probio Yogurt LG21 was introduced in 2000, while Amino Collagen and Meiji Delicious Milk followed in the early 2000s. In 2007, Meiji introduced a cube-format powdered infant formula described by the company as the world’s first of its type. These launches reflected a shift from traditional commodity categories toward products with convenience, functionality, and research-based differentiation. A major organizational change occurred on April 1, 2009, when Meiji Seika and Meiji Dairies established Meiji Holdings as a joint holding company. The holding-company structure was intended to coordinate the group while allowing operating businesses to specialize. On April 1, 2011, Meiji Dairies took over the food and healthcare businesses of Meiji Seika and became Meiji Co., Ltd. Meiji Seika was reorganized as Meiji Seika Pharma, creating a clearer separation between food and pharmaceuticals under the Meiji Holdings umbrella. The 2011 infant-formula recall became the most significant public controversy in Meiji’s modern food history. Trace radioactive cesium was detected in some cans of Meiji Step produced after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The company said the detected levels were below the applicable provisional Japanese limit and that the product did not represent a health risk, but it nevertheless conducted a voluntary recall of about 400,000 cans. The incident highlighted the importance of testing, communication, and public confidence in infant nutrition. In the 2010s and 2020s, Meiji continued internationalizing its food portfolio. Meiji America expanded Hello Panda and Yan Yan production in the United States, while the company developed dairy and confectionery operations in China and Southeast Asia. Its domestic portfolio also moved further into probiotic yogurt, high-cacao chocolate, protein, supplements, senior nutrition, frozen foods, and convenience-oriented products. The company has increasingly described its purpose through the combined themes of food, health, wellness, and scientific value. Leadership and strategy shifted again in 2025. Bunjiro Yao became president and representative director of Meiji Co., while Katsunari Matsuda became chief executive officer and president of Meiji Holdings. In 2026, Meiji announced a partnership with Japan Activation Capital aimed at reforming the Food Segment, strengthening profitability, reviewing portfolios, and supporting overseas growth. It also continued its long-running relationship with Bulgaria through plans for a joint lactic-acid-bacteria and gut-microbiome research facility in Sofia. These initiatives show the company attempting to move beyond its historical identity as a dairy and confectionery producer toward a broader international food-and-wellness platform.

2026
Strategic partnership with Japan Activation Capital
[10]Meiji announcement on Japan Activation Capital partnershipmeiji.com
Meiji enters a partnership intended to strengthen domestic operations, review portfolios, improve profitability, and accelerate overseas growth.
2025
Bunjiro Yao becomes president of Meiji
[8]Meiji announcement on 2025 executive changesmeiji.com
Bunjiro Yao becomes president and representative director of Meiji Co., succeeding Katsunari Matsuda.
2016
Yan Yan production begins in the United States
[5]Meiji international businessmeiji.co.jp
Meiji America begins local production of Yan Yan in the United States.
2015
Hello Panda production begins in the United States
[5]Meiji international businessmeiji.co.jp
Meiji America begins local production of Hello Panda in the United States.
2011
Food business reorganization creates Meiji Co.
[12]Meiji Co.en.wikipedia.org
Meiji Dairies takes over Meiji Seika’s food and healthcare operations and adopts the legal name Meiji Co., Ltd., while Meiji Seika becomes a pharmaceutical company.
2011
Meiji Step recall
[9]Meiji announcement on Meiji Step recallmeiji.com
Meiji voluntarily recalls approximately 400,000 cans of Meiji Step after trace radioactive cesium is detected in some batches.
2009
Meiji Holdings is formed
[12]Meiji Co.en.wikipedia.org
Meiji Seika and Meiji Dairies establish Meiji Holdings as a joint holding company.
2007
Cube-format infant formula launches
[16]LG21 probiotic yogurt launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Meiji introduces Meiji Hohoemi Rakuraku Cube, a convenient cube-format powdered infant formula described by the company as the first of its kind worldwide.
2000
LG21 probiotic yogurt launches
[16]LG21 probiotic yogurt launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Meiji launches LG21 probiotic yogurt, reinforcing its move toward research-based and functional dairy products.
1989
CP-Meiji is established in Thailand
[15]SAVAS sports nutrition launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Meiji and Charoen Pokphand establish CP-Meiji to produce and market dairy products in Thailand.
1980
SAVAS sports nutrition launches
[15]SAVAS sports nutrition launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Meiji introduces the SAVAS sports-protein series, expanding into sports nutrition and performance-oriented foods.
1973
Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt launches nationally
[11]Meiji announcement on Bulgaria research collaborationmeiji.co.jp
Meiji begins nationwide sales of Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt, establishing a major plain-yogurt franchise in Japan.
1968
Karl snack launches
[14]Marble Chocolate launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Meiji introduces Karl, an early Japanese snack product that broadens the company beyond traditional chocolate and dairy.
1961
Marble Chocolate launches
[14]Marble Chocolate launchesimages.meiji.co.jp
Marble Chocolate is introduced as part of Meiji’s postwar expansion of colorful and portable confectionery.
1926
Meiji Milk Chocolate launches
[13]Meiji Milk Chocolate launchesmeiji.co.jp
Meiji launches Milk Chocolate, which becomes one of its longest-running and most recognizable confectionery franchises.
1923
Patrogen infant formula is introduced
[6]Meiji infant-formula historymeiji.co.jp
Meiji introduces Patrogen, an early Japanese infant formula containing vitamin B1, beginning a century of infant-nutrition development.
1917
Predecessor of Meiji Dairies is established
[2]Meiji corporate historyimages.meiji.co.jp
Far East Condensed Milk, the predecessor of Meiji Dairies and the dairy lineage of Meiji Co., is established.
1916
Predecessor of Meiji Seika is established
[2]Meiji corporate historyimages.meiji.co.jp
Tokyo Confectionery, the predecessor of Meiji Seika, is established and becomes part of the confectionery lineage later incorporated into the Meiji Group.

Products and positioning

A trusted, quality-oriented Japanese food and nutrition brand that combines everyday dairy and confectionery with scientifically developed products for infants, athletes, families, and older consumers. Its positioning ranges from accessible mainstream products to premium and functional offerings.

Dairy · 1917
Dairy products
Meiji’s dairy portfolio includes fresh milk, flavored and functional dairy drinks, yogurt, cheese, butter, spreads, and cream-cheese desserts. Meiji Delicious Milk emphasizes taste and processing technology, while Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt anchors the company’s plain-yogurt franchise. Dairy products remain central to the brand’s identity and provide the base for its probiotic, nutrition, and international businesses.
Yogurt · 1973
Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt
Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt is one of Japan’s best-known plain-yogurt brands. Its origins are linked to the company’s exposure to Bulgarian yogurt culture at the 1970 Osaka Expo, followed by a national launch in 1973. The brand has supported Meiji’s expertise in lactic-acid bacteria, fermentation, and digestive-health communication, and it remains an important platform for international collaboration and research.
Chocolate confectionery · 1926
Meiji Milk Chocolate
Introduced in 1926, Meiji Milk Chocolate is a foundational Meiji confectionery brand and one of the company’s most durable consumer products. It represents the accessible, everyday side of the portfolio while also serving as a platform for seasonal editions, cultural collaborations, sustainability messaging, and premium chocolate innovation. Meiji began a centenary program for the brand in 2026.
Snack confectionery
Hello Panda
Hello Panda is a bite-sized filled biscuit featuring illustrated panda characters. It is sold in Japan and international markets and has been particularly important to Meiji’s overseas confectionery strategy. Meiji America began local production in the United States in 2015, helping the product move from an imported Japanese snack toward a locally manufactured international offering.
Snack confectionery
Yan Yan
Yan Yan combines biscuit sticks with a separate sweet dipping cream, making participation and customization part of the eating experience. The product is one of Meiji’s recognizable international confectionery brands and has been developed for markets outside Japan as well as the domestic market. Meiji America began local production in the United States in 2016.
Ice cream
Meiji Essel Super Cup
Meiji Essel Super Cup is a major Japanese ice-cream line positioned around generous serving size, familiar flavors, and broad accessibility. It extends Meiji’s dairy expertise into frozen desserts and has supported the company’s ability to compete in high-volume convenience and retail channels. The line includes standard and more adult-oriented variants.
Infant and toddler nutrition · 1923
Meiji Hohoemi and Meiji Step
Meiji Hohoemi serves infant nutrition while Meiji Step is designed for the toddler stage. The products continue a development history that began with Patrogen in 1923 and includes soft-curd powdered milk, improved formulations, cube-format formula, and liquid formula. The category is built around nutritional research, convenience, quality control, and support for parents during early childhood.
Sports nutrition · 1980
SAVAS
SAVAS is Meiji’s sports-nutrition platform, best known for protein powders, protein drinks, and related products. First introduced in 1980 for athletic use, the brand later expanded to recreational athletes, fitness consumers, and women seeking convenient protein intake. It is one of Meiji’s clearest examples of translating food science and nutrition research into a specialized consumer category.
Functional chocolate · 1998
Chocolate Effect
Chocolate Effect is a high-cacao chocolate line built around the taste and perceived health value of cocoa polyphenols. Introduced in 1998, it helped broaden Meiji’s chocolate business beyond conventional indulgence and positioned cocoa as part of a more health-conscious daily routine. The brand has also been marketed internationally in selected regions.
Balanced nutrition · 1995
Meiji Balance
Meiji Balance is a nutritional-food line intended to help consumers obtain energy and nutrients when ordinary meals are difficult, insufficient, or inconvenient. It is associated with senior care, medical nutrition, and daily wellness. The broader category includes drinkable and spoonable products designed for different taste, texture, and nutritional needs, allowing Meiji to serve consumers beyond conventional grocery products.

Controversies

2011
Meiji Step infant-formula cesium recall
Trace cesium-134 and cesium-137 were detected in some 850-gram cans of Meiji Step manufactured after the March 11, 2011 earthquake. Meiji said the readings were below Japan’s provisional regulatory limit for infant products and stated that the product did not pose a health risk. The company nevertheless conducted a voluntary recall of approximately 400,000 cans. The event became a major test of consumer trust, testing disclosure, and risk communication in Japan’s infant-food market.
Source

2026Meiji Milk Chocolate 100th Anniversary
Japan
Meiji announced a year-spanning anniversary program for the centenary of Meiji Milk Chocolate, combining commemorative products, cultural projects, and collaborations intended to extend the brand beyond ordinary chocolate consumption.
Outcome. The program was announced as an ongoing 2026 initiative, with products and collaborations scheduled to roll out from September.
Source
2026Kinoko no Yama versus Takenoko no Sato chef collaboration
Japan
Meiji worked with Club Harie chef Takao Yamamoto and Chez Shibata chef Takeshi Shibata on special versions of Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato for the Amour du Chocolat Valentine event.
Outcome. The limited products were sold through the event and selected stores, with the company reporting strong consumer interest and repeated sellouts at associated venues.
Source
2025Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato 'which side are you?' campaign
Japan
Meiji used the long-running consumer debate between Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato as a platform for limited products and chef collaborations during the Valentine season.
Outcome. The products were distributed through a major Japanese chocolate event and participating stores as a limited-time brand engagement initiative.
Source

Brand decisions

2026
Strategic partnership with Japan Activation CapitalStrategy
Background
Meiji identified the need to strengthen domestic profitability, optimize its portfolio, and build a more sustainable platform for overseas growth.
Action taken
Meiji entered a partnership with Japan Activation Capital to access management expertise, networks, and support for business reform, portfolio review, and international expansion.
Aftermath
The partnership was presented as a mechanism for accelerating transformation in the Food Segment and improving long-term corporate value.
Source
2025
Leadership transition in the food segmentStrategy
Background
Meiji Holdings was implementing a new leadership structure for its food and pharmaceutical segments.
Action taken
Bunjiro Yao became president and representative director of Meiji Co. and chief operating officer of the Food Segment, while Katsunari Matsuda moved to the group CEO and president role at Meiji Holdings.
Aftermath
The change placed a long-serving executive with experience in overseas business, corporate development, and production management at the head of the food operating company.
Source
2011
Reorganization into Meiji Co. and Meiji Seika PharmaStrategy
Background
The Meiji Group sought to clarify the responsibilities of its food and pharmaceutical businesses after establishing the holding company.
Action taken
Meiji Dairies absorbed Meiji Seika’s food and healthcare operations and became Meiji Co., Ltd., while Meiji Seika was reorganized as Meiji Seika Pharma.
Aftermath
Food and pharmaceuticals became distinct operating businesses under Meiji Holdings, with Meiji Co. serving as the group’s principal food company.
Source
2011
Voluntary recall of Meiji StepOther
Background
Trace radioactive cesium was detected in selected batches of infant formula following the Fukushima nuclear accident and the wider supply-chain disruption after the earthquake.
Action taken
Meiji announced testing information and voluntarily recalled approximately 400,000 cans of the affected product.
Aftermath
The recall intensified public scrutiny of infant-formula safety, regulatory thresholds, and the company’s communication of low-level contamination risks.
Source
2009
Creation of Meiji HoldingsStrategy
Background
Meiji Seika and Meiji Dairies had complementary food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical businesses but operated as separate companies.
Action taken
The two companies established Meiji Holdings as a joint holding company on April 1, 2009.
Aftermath
The holding-company structure created the framework for a later separation of food and pharmaceutical operations under a common group.
Source

Recent events

2020-11-18
Meiji announces plan for new Shanghai ice cream factory[19]明治宣布计划在上海建设新的冰淇淋工厂finance.sina.com.cn
Reported: 2020-11-18
Meiji announced plans to invest RMB 650 million in Meiji Seika Shanghai to establish a new ice cream production base in Shanghai. Construction is planned for April–December 2021, with production planned for fiscal 2023; the article says the new plant's capacity is expected to be 1.3 times that of the existing Guangzhou factory.

Sources19 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/meiji · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled