OPEN SESAME: KADOYA OPENS THE GATE TO THE GLOBAL MARKET

OFFERING A HEALTHY, TASTY ALTERNATIVE TO OILS FOR RECIPES, BOTH JAPANESE AND INTERNATIONAL, KADOYA IS GROWING ITS BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY.

- By Daniel de Bomford, Bernard Thompson and Sasha Lauture

Shodoshima, nestled in the beautiful Inland Sea of Japan has been called home by Japan’s leading sesame oil manufacturer, Kadoya Sesame Mills Incorporated for nearly 170 years. Its warm dry climate combined with a rich his- tory of agriculture and artisanal production has given rise to a proud culinary culture. Roasting the sesame seeds at high temperatures slowly and evenly, Kadoya carefully cultivates that perfect, deep roasted flavor. Its sesame oil is inseparable from classic staples like stir-fries, soups, noodles, salads and more, both in Japan and across the world. Kadoya has shared its craft with the world, beginning with the United States over 50 years ago and expanding to Europe, Asia and all around the world. Its unparalleled experience in Japanese sesame production gives them unmatched insights and President and CEO Atsushi Kume says its strength lies in its “Made in Japan” quality. “With over 165 years of accumulated history, we have crafted a distinctive Kadoya taste and aroma that sets us apart from competitors.”

Since covid, Japanese food exports have soared, and Mr. Kume says sesame oil has benefited from the uplift and interest in health-conscious diets. “The rising demand for sesame oil is attributed to growing health awareness, with people opting for healthier, plant-based oils,” he says. While the US is still Kadoya’s biggest market and particularly among Asian consumers, it exports to over 30 countries and demand is growing worldwide. In particular, South-east Asia is seeing an increase in Japanese restaurants opening, which Mr. Kume attributes to increased tourism from Japan’s regional neighbors.