Quick Facts / Company Snapshot
- Company Name: NH Foods Ltd.
- Founded: May 30, 1949 (origins in 1942 as Tokushima Meat Processing Plant)
- Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
- President and Representative Director: Nobuhisa Ikawa
- Chairperson and Director: Tetsuhiro Kito
- Core Philosophy: Spreading the “joy of eating” through taste, health excitement, and well-being
- Vision 2030: Unleash new potentials for protein for sustainable growth
- Key Business Focus: Vertical integration from livestock farming to sales in protein supply
- Market Share in Japan: Approximately 20% in fresh meats; supplies ~6% of Japan’s protein
- Net Sales (FY2025 ended March 31, 2025): ¥1,370.6 billion
- Business Profit (FY2025): ¥42.5 billion
- Production Facilities: 215 (as of FY2023 assessment)
- Water Withdrawal (FY2023): 19,572 thousand m³ (group overall)
- Sites in High Water Stress Areas: 6 (2.8% of production facilities)
- CO2 Emissions Reduction Target (Japan): 46%+ reduction from FY2013 levels by 2030
- Waste Recycling Rate Target (Japan): At least 92% by 2030
- Overseas Operations: Present in 16 countries (as of April 2024)
- Sustainability Pillars: Protect global environment, strengthen business resilience, provide joy of eating, create new value
- R&D Focus: Proteinnovation for food, healthcare, medicine, and beyond
- Carbon Neutrality Goal: Achieved toward 2050 with daily activities promoted
Company Overview
NH Foods Ltd. leads as Japan’s premier protein supplier. The group maintains reliable animal protein delivery through comprehensive vertical integration. This system spans livestock farming, production, processing, and sales.
The company supplies approximately 6% of Japan’s total protein needs. It commands a 20% share in the fresh meats market. Operations emphasize safety, quality, and stability across the supply chain.
The group’s philosophy centers on sharing the joy of eating. This encompasses excitement from taste, health benefits, and overall well-being. Corporate principles highlight creating epoch-making culture, contributing to society, and meeting evolving needs through quality and service.
Vision 2030 drives the strategy: “Unleash new potentials for protein.” This vision targets sustainable growth amid changing environments. It expands protein applications beyond traditional food into health, healthcare, and innovative domains.
Sustainability forms a core pillar. The group advances four key areas: protecting the global environment, strengthening business base resilience, providing the joy of eating, and creating new value. Materialities include stable protein procurement, enriching lives through food, sustainable environments, new value creation, and fostering a challenge culture.
R&D investments fuel “Proteinnovation.” This combines protein expertise with innovation. Efforts accelerate development in food and non-food sectors. The group evolves existing businesses while pioneering new ones.
Operations cover processed meats like hams and sausages, cooked foods, livestock breeding, fresh meats processing and sales, dairy products, processed marine products, extracts, and more. Additional areas include fermented milk beverages, freeze-dried foods, and sports-related activities.
The group operates globally. Networks connect domestic and overseas bases. This ensures stable supply chains. Commitments extend to UN Global Compact, RSPO, CGF, TCFD, and TNFD initiatives.
Business Segments
NH Foods Ltd. organizes operations into key segments. These focus on processed foods, fresh meats, and ballpark business. Overseas activities integrate into main segments as of April 2025.
Segments sort by net sales contribution for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. Fresh Meats leads as the largest. Processed Foods follows. Ballpark Business remains smaller but growing rapidly.
Fresh Meats Business
The Fresh Meats segment produces and supplies fresh beef, pork, and chicken. It operates through farms, procurement networks, and processing.
Scope covers Japan with a 20% market share overall. Domestic shares break down as 15.9% in beef, 18.6% in pork, and 21.9% in chicken. Overseas operations span Australia, Turkey, and South America across 7 regions with 12 companies excluding Japan.
Key activities include branded production, overseas expansion, value chain optimization, DX in procurement, and collaborative supply arrangements. Reforms target optimal production, improved product mixes, and cross-sales growth.
Net sales in FY2025 reached ¥900.6 billion. This represents approximately 65.7% of group total net sales (calculated from ¥1,370.6 billion group). Business profit stood at ¥35.1 billion with a 3.9% margin. ROA achieved 7.8%. Capital expenditure amounted to ¥30.4 billion.
Performance shows resilience. Volume increased 109% in key areas. Branded items like Sakurahime chicken grew +2% year-on-year. Australian sales volume rose to 46kt. External procurement reached 110%.
Integration with Processed Foods in April 2025 enhances optimization and human resource mobility. Combined external sales target exceeds ¥24.0 billion.
Processed Foods Business
The Processed Foods segment manufactures hams, sausages, deli items, marine products, dairy, and extracts. It handles imports and exports of fresh meats.
Operations span Japan plus North America, Southeast Asia, and Greater China across 9 regions with 14 companies excluding Japan. Activities emphasize value chain optimization, brand enhancement, global strengthening, new product launches, and co-creation in procurement and development.
Reforms eliminated low-margin items (68% in FY2025). Capacity reduced by one-third with lines cut by 22. SAP systems improve efficiency.
Net sales in FY2025 totaled ¥554.0 billion. This accounts for approximately 40.4% of group total (calculated). Business profit reached ¥11.0 billion with a 2.0% margin. ROA stood at 11.1%. Capital expenditure was ¥11.1 billion.
External sales grew to ¥192.4 billion (+14.5%). Key categories represent 70%. ASEAN profit improved by +¥1.0 billion versus prior year. Flagship Schau Essen targets ¥90 billion in sales.
Integration with Fresh Meats supports technology and HR mobility. Combined segment exceeds 50% of group sales.
Ballpark Business
The Ballpark Business manages the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters professional baseball team. It operates Hokkaido Ballpark F Village and ES CON FIELD.
Scope focuses on community co-creation with government, private entities, and academia. Activities enhance sports, entertainment, tourism, and regional vitality.
Facilities include bakeries, restaurants, residences, education centers, athletics areas, and commercial spaces. Developments feature medical malls, senior residences, glamping, and future university relocation by 2028.
Net sales in FY2025 amounted to ¥27.0 billion. This contributes approximately 2.0% of group total (calculated). Business profit grew to ¥3.3 billion with a 12.2% margin. Year-on-year sales increased +13.5% with profit +41.6%.
Visitor numbers reached 4.32 million (+21%). Off-season visitors hit 1.16 million (+49%). Sustainability bonds totaled ¥29.8 billion. Certification includes 5-star DBJ Green Building.
This segment separated in FY2024. It drives community impact exceeding ¥1.0 billion.
History and Evolution
NH Foods Ltd. traces roots to 1942. Yoshinori Okoso founded Tokushima Meat Processing Plant to address postwar protein shortages.
The company officially established on May 30, 1949. Early focus centered on meat processing for nutritional needs.
In 1966, the group launched Winny® wieners targeted at children’s health. Chicken farming began in 1968.
Overseas expansion started in 1977 with Day-Lee Meats acquisition (now Day-Lee Foods). Schau Essen pork wieners debuted in 1985 as a market success.
Beef integration advanced in 1988 via Whyalla Beef Feedlot acquisition. Apilight allergy-friendly range launched in 1997.
Branded chicken Sakurahime introduced in 2002 with high vitamin E and low odor traits. A cultural shift toward compliance followed issues that year.
Medium-term management plans guided growth: Part 1 (2003-05), Part 2 (2006-08), up to current 2026 plan emphasizing innovation and challenges.
Governance evolved with committees for nomination, compensation, sustainability (merged 2020), and performance-based stock (2020).
R&D advanced “Proteinnovation” from 2018. Plant-based NatuMeat launched 2020-25. Hokkaido Ballpark F Village opened 2023.
Recent milestones include TCFD endorsement (2020), TNFD pledge (2024), “Eco-Cycle” initiative (2025), and three North American acquisitions in FY2025.
Evolution shifted from mass production to quality focus, diversification into alternative proteins, overseas growth, and entertainment. Strategic divestitures included Marine Foods (2022) and Breeders & Packers Uruguay (2023).
Products and Services
NH Foods Ltd. offers diverse protein-centered products and services. These sort by associated segment revenue contribution.
Services include logistics, IT support, trading, and sports entertainment alongside core food offerings.
Fresh Meats Products
Fresh meats dominate with beef, pork, and chicken lines.
Key brands feature Sakurahime (domestic chicken, +2% growth FY2025), Mugikomachi pork, Omugi-gyu ANGUS beef, GENMAI GYU, Toumorokoshi Buta, and Herb Soiku Chicken (Thai origin).
Branded production targets 60% for beef. Activities ensure fresh supply through farms and procurement.
Revenue ties to segment ¥900.6 billion net sales FY2025 (65.7% group calculated).
Processed Foods Products
Processed items include hams, sausages, deli, cooked foods, dairy, marine products, and extracts.
Flagship brands: Schau Essen (wiener leader, ¥90 billion target), Ishigama Kobo, Chuka Meisai (chilled Chinese), No.1 (chilled pizza), Vanilla Yogurt, Sutamina En, ROLF cheese, Crazy Cuizine.
Innovative lines: NatuMeat (plant-based sausages/tuna), Apilight (allergy-friendly, over 25 years), Oichiizu cheese, Pawa-Kara hot items, Yoru-Aji spicy.
Asian ethnic brands expand globally. Reforms reduced plastic in wiener packaging by 28% and Chuka Meisai by 21%. Biomass plastics used in Sakurahime.
Revenue links to segment ¥554.0 billion net sales FY2025 (40.4% group calculated).
Ballpark Services
Services encompass professional baseball management, venue operations, tourism, and community events.
Facilities drive entertainment and regional revitalization. Visitor impact supports growth.
Revenue from segment ¥27.0 billion net sales FY2025 (2.0% group calculated).
Brand Portfolio
Brands sort by associated segment revenue.
Schau Essen
Schau Essen leads as flagship processed wiener brand with No.1 share.
It drives ¥90 billion sales target. Pillow-type packaging reduced weight 28% versus 2022.
Tied to Processed Foods segment (¥554.0 billion net sales FY2025, 40.4% group).
Sakurahime
Sakurahime premium chicken features high vitamin E and low odor.
Domestic volume grew +2% FY2025. Biomass plastics applied.
Spans Fresh Meats (¥900.6 billion net sales, 65.7% group).
Ishigama Kobo
Ishigama Kobo stone-oven baked line targets quality prepared foods.
Contributes to Processed Foods portfolio.
Chuka Meisai
Chuka Meisai chilled Chinese dishes achieved ~21% plastic reduction via non-tray packaging.
Key in processed category (70% key categories).
NatuMeat
NatuMeat plant-based alternative launched 2020-25 includes sausages and tuna.
Supports new protein growth under Vision 2030.
Other Notable Brands
Apilight (allergy-friendly over 25 years), ROLF cheese, Crazy Cuizine, No.1 chilled pizza.
Ballpark ties to Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters brand since 1973.
Geographical Presence
NH Foods Ltd. maintains strong Japan base with expanding global footprint. Operations span 16 countries as of April 2024.
Japan dominates domestic production, farms, and sales via 1,300 trucks, 202 offices, 29 bases. Head office locates in Osaka.
Overseas includes ~64 locations across 15 countries/regions on consolidated basis April 2024. Activities cover production, processing, raising, trading, sales in fresh meat, processed foods, marine, vegetables.
Regions sort by operational depth.
Japan
Japan serves as core with 229 sites assessed for risks.
Domestic focus includes chicken/pork/beef farms. Shares: 15.9% beef, 18.6% pork, 21.9% chicken.
CO2 reductions exceed 46% from FY2013. Waste recycling over 92%.
Companies: NH Ltd., Nippon White Farm, Clean Farms Usune, Miyazaki Beef.
Australia
Australia leads overseas with beef operations.
Key entities: Whyalla Beef Pty. Ltd. (raising/fattening, established 1987), Oakey Beef Exports, Wingham Beef Exports, Thomas Borthwick & Sons, Beef Producers Australia, NH Foods Australia.
Sales volume grew to 46kt FY2025.
Turkey
Turkey integrates poultry via Ege-Tav Ege Tarım (breeding/raising/processing/sales, established 2015).
Cooling installations reached 100% in key areas.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)
Thailand: Thai Nippon Foods (processed chicken export/sales, 1989), NH Foods (Thailand).
Vietnam: NH Foods Vietnam (ham/sausage, 2011).
Indonesia: NH Foods Diamond Indonesia (ham/sausage, 2018).
Co-creation advances profit +¥1.0 billion.
North America (U.S.A.)
U.S.A. includes Day-Lee Foods (processed/chicken import/export, since 1977), Redondo’s LLC (ham/sausage).
Three acquisitions in FY2025.
Greater China (China, Taiwan)
China: Shandong Rilong (ham/sausage, 2002), Nippo Food Shanghai.
Taiwan: Pure Food Asia (extracts, 2013), NH Foods Taiwan (meat/marine, 1990).
Other Regions
South America (Chile, Brazil): Sales/procurement representatives.
UK: NH Foods U.K. (exports/sales, 1986).
Mexico: NH Foods Mexicana (import/export, 1998).
Singapore: NH Foods Singapore (import/export, 1987).
Water stress assessments judge minimal risk across regions. High stress sites: 6 (2.8%).
Financial Performance Analysis
NH Foods Ltd. reports consolidated results under IFRS where applicable.
Group net sales for FY2025 reached ¥1,370.6 billion. Business profit stood at ¥42.5 billion.
Multi-year trends show resilience. Fresh Meats and Processed segments drive majority.
Segment integration in April 2025 optimizes reporting. Growth investments totaled ¥172.5 billion FY2025 with ¥77.4 billion planned FY2026.
ROA varies: 7.8% Fresh Meats, 11.1% Processed FY2025.
Profit and Loss Analysis
Key consolidated metrics focus on net sales and business profit.
FY2025 group net sales ¥1,370.6 billion (prior snippets note +5.1% YoY in some contexts). Business profit ¥42.5 billion (5.3% lower in referenced periods).
Segment breakdown:
- Fresh Meats: Sales FY2023 ¥896.8 billion, FY2024 ¥956.8 billion, FY2025 ¥900.6 billion; Profit FY2025 ¥35.1 billion (3.9% margin).
- Processed Foods: Sales FY2023 ¥541.6 billion, FY2024 ¥542.5 billion, FY2025 ¥554.0 billion; Profit FY2025 ¥11.0 billion (2.0% margin).
- Ballpark: Sales FY2025 ¥27.0 billion; Profit ¥3.3 billion (12.2% margin).
Margins improve in targeted reforms. External sales growth strong in Processed (+14.5%).
Balance Sheet Analysis
Detailed consolidated items limited in disclosures. Capital chains emphasize non-financial to financial via natural, social, intellectual, manufacturing, human capitals.
ROA metrics: Processed 11.1%, Fresh 7.8% FY2025. Sustainability bonds ¥29.8 billion.
Equity, debt, liquidity positions support growth investments and M&A.
Cash Flow Analysis
Specific operating, investing, financing flows not detailed. Capex allocation evident: Fresh Meats ¥30.4 billion FY2025, Processed ¥11.1 billion, Ballpark ¥2.4 billion.
Growth via M&A, dividends, buybacks planned. Free cash insights tie to profit generation and investments ¥172.5 billion FY2025.
Board of Directors and Leadership Team
The board oversees strategy, sustainability, and governance.
Key members:
- Tetsuhiro Kito — Chairperson and Director; oversees Corporate Planning, Accounting, Finance, Growth Strategy.
- Nobuhisa Ikawa — President and Representative Director, CEO; drives Vision 2030 and cultural reform.
- Fumio Maeda — Director and Vice President; handles Corporate Planning, Finance, Growth.
- Kohei Akiyama — Director and Managing Executive Officer; manages HR, Legal, General Affairs, PR.
- Yukihiro Matsumoto — Managing Executive Officer and GM Processed Foods.
- Nobuhiro Hosoya — Managing Executive Officer and GM Fresh Meats.
- Yasuyuki Oishi — GM Overseas and MD NH Foods Australia.
- Yoshihiro Hasegawa — GM Processed Foods overseas.
- Yoshitaka Hasegawa — GM Fresh Meats.
- Atsushi Onishi — Executive Officer; focuses VBM and Sustainability.
Outside Independent Directors: Yasuko Kono (Nomination/Compensation/Compliance/Sustainability Chair), Tokushi Yamasaki (Compensation Chair), Hiroko Miyazaki, Masahiko Koyama (from 6/2025).
Audit & Supervisory: Nobuyuki Tazawa, Nobuo Oda (full-time); Masayuki Kitaguchi, Shigeru Nishiyama, Katsumi Nakamura (outside).
Executive Officers include Yukihiro Matsumoto (Audit/Compliance), Hideki Fujii (Overseas Strategy), Hirohide Fujiwara (DX/IT/Sports).
Subsidiaries, Associates, Joint Ventures
Major entities sorted by operational contribution (top revenue tied to segments).
Fresh Meats overseas: Whyalla Beef Pty. Ltd., Oakey Beef Exports Pty. Ltd., Wingham Beef Exports Pty. Ltd., Thomas Borthwick & Sons Pty. Ltd., Ege-Tav (Turkey).
Processed overseas: Day-Lee Foods Inc., Thai Nippon Foods Co., Ltd., NH Foods Vietnam, NH Foods Diamond Indonesia.
Domestic: Nippon White Farm, Clean Farms Usune, Miyazaki Beef.
Others: Redondo’s LLC, Shandong Rilong, Pure Food Asia, NH Foods Taiwan.
Ownership typically majority or full. Contributions align with segment sales (e.g., Australian beef volume growth).
Co-creation includes ZEN-NOH and CPF partnerships (2024).
Physical Properties
The group operates 215 production/manufacturing facilities (FY2023).
Asia hosts 238 sites (229 Japan). Oceania 7, North America 3, Middle East 1.
Key properties:
- Australia: Whyalla (largest ranch), Oakey/Wingham/Thomas Borthwick processing plants.
- Turkey: Ege-Tav integrated poultry.
- Japan: Poultry farms with 90-100% heat control installations (Hokkaido 91%, etc.).
- Thailand/Vietnam/Indonesia: Processed plants.
- U.S.A.: Day-Lee and Redondo’s facilities.
- Hokkaido Ballpark F Village/ES CON FIELD complex.
Flood/storm surge risks minimal after assessments/BCP. Water stress low.
Segment-wise Performance
Fresh Meats FY2025: Sales ¥900.6 billion (volume 109%, branded growth); Profit ¥35.1 billion (+3.5% prior margin trend); YoY resilience via procurement 110%.
Processed Foods: Sales ¥554.0 billion (external +14.5%); Profit ¥11.0 billion; YoY reforms drive margin to 2.0%.
Ballpark: Sales ¥27.0 billion (+13.5% YoY); Profit ¥3.3 billion (+41.6%); Visitors +21%.
Integration April 2025 enhances cross-segment efficiency.
Founders
Yoshinori Okoso founded the origins in 1942 as Tokushima Meat Processing Plant.
He addressed postwar protein shortages with determination. This established the foundation for postwar nutritional supply in Japan.
Shareholding Pattern
Detailed promoter, institutional, public holdings not explicitly broken down in disclosures.
Cross-shareholdings policy revised 2021. Secondary offering of 9.5 million shares occurred July 2025.
Parent
NH Foods Ltd. operates as the parent holding company.
No higher parent entity disclosed.
Investments and Capital Expenditure Plans
Capex FY2025: Fresh Meats ¥30.4 billion, Processed ¥11.1 billion, Ballpark ¥2.4 billion.
Growth investments ¥172.5 billion FY2025, ¥77.4 billion FY2026 including M&A, dividends, buybacks.
R&D emphasizes Proteinnovation for alternative proteins, cultured cells, smart farming.
Strategic priorities: Structural reforms, branded growth, overseas M&A (three North America FY2025), DX backbone.
Future Strategy
Management states Vision 2030 focus on unleashing protein potentials.
Medium-Term Management Plan 2026 (March 2025-2027) emphasizes “Innovation and Challenges.” Initiatives include segment integration April 2025, Schau Essen ¥90 billion, cross-sales ¥30 billion, branded beef 60%.
Expansion targets new proteins (NatuMeat, cell-based), global co-creation, sustainability (carbon neutrality 2050, plastic reductions), community via Ballpark (new station/university 2028).
Key Strengths
Vertical integration ensures stable supply and quality control.
Branded leadership (Schau Essen No.1, 20% fresh meats share) drives loyalty. Global network across 16 countries supports diversification.
Sustainability commitments (46%+ CO2 reduction Japan, TCFD/TNFD) enhance resilience. R&D Proteinnovation positions for alternative proteins.
Community impact via Ballpark generates economic/value >¥1.0 billion.
Key Challenges and Risks
Physical risks include rising feed costs (impact 0 to 5.3 billion yen medium-long term), temperature effects on livestock (0 to 2.2 billion yen), water disasters (medium), stress (small).
Transition risks: Carbon tax (14.2 to 20.2 billion yen if targets missed), conscious consumption shifts (medium).
Opportunities in new proteins (large). Responses: Feed efficiency, heat controls (90-100% installation), renewable energy, eco-products.
Water withdrawals in stress areas 5.4% (1,047 thousand m³). Sites assessed minimal risk.
Conclusion and Strategic Outlook
NH Foods Ltd. positions strongly as protein innovator. Vertical integration, branded strength, and sustainability drive performance amid challenges.
Vision 2030 and 2026 plan target growth through innovation, global expansion, alternative proteins. Resilience against climate risks and reforms position for sustainable value.
Outlook remains positive with protein demand, community contributions, and strategic investments.
Official Site: https://www.nipponham.co.jp/eng/
FAQ Section
What is NH Foods Ltd.’s core philosophy? The core philosophy centers on spreading the “joy of eating” through exciting tastes, health benefits, and overall well-being contributions.
When was NH Foods Ltd. founded? The company officially established on May 30, 1949, with origins in 1942 as Tokushima Meat Processing Plant by founder Yoshinori Okoso.
What are the main business segments of NH Foods Ltd.? Main segments include Fresh Meats (largest), Processed Foods, and Ballpark Business, with overseas integrated from April 2025.
What was NH Foods Ltd.’s net sales in FY2025? Net sales reached ¥1,370.6 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.
What is Vision 2030 for NH Foods Ltd.? Vision 2030 aims to “unleash new potentials for protein” to achieve sustainable growth and expand applications beyond traditional food.
Who is the President of NH Foods Ltd.? Nobuhisa Ikawa serves as President and Representative Director, leading CEO responsibilities.
What are key brands of NH Foods Ltd.? Key brands include Schau Essen (wieners), Sakurahime (chicken), Ishigama Kobo, Chuka Meisai, and NatuMeat (plant-based).
What sustainability targets does NH Foods Ltd. have? Targets include carbon neutrality toward 2050, 46%+ CO2 reduction in Japan by 2030, and at least 92% waste recycling rate.
Where does NH Foods Ltd. operate globally? Operations span 16 countries, with strong presence in Australia, Turkey, Southeast Asia, North America, and China/Taiwan.
What is the Ballpark Business of NH Foods Ltd.? It manages the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and operates Hokkaido Ballpark F Village for sports, entertainment, and community revitalization.
Source: Content on FirmsWorld.com is based on publicly available corporate filings, regulatory disclosures, annual reports, SEC 10-K filings, investor relations materials, and, where applicable, direct communications with the company.
