Premier Member

Supporter of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies

As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group aims to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Sustained by the gifts of nature and water, the Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products, from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, canned ready-to-drink -196 (minus one-nine-six), The Premium Malt’s beer, Japanese wine Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, BOSS coffee, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, and V energy drink, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.

Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.3 billion in 2024. Its 41,357 employees worldwide draw upon the unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.

For more information, visit Suntory and Drink Smart.

Premier Members

hacco is a New York–based food innovation company built on a deep respect for culinary professionals. We believe that chefs, bakers, and pâtissiers are the true pioneers of food culture — and that their pursuit of flavor, craft, and creativity can also offer answers to today’s broader food challenges.

Our work with fermentation, especially the transformative nature of koji, is not driven by nostalgia but by a forward-looking mindset. We explore how fermentation can help rethink sweetness, texture, and nourishment without relying on refined sugar or overprocessing — creating food that feels inspiring, emotionally satisfying, and physically supportive.

Our flagship café-bakery in Williamsburg will serve as a space dedicated to this philosophy: a place where both professionals and everyday guests can experience fermentation as a pathway to new possibilities in taste and well-being.

At hacco, we advocate for a food culture where pleasure and health reinforce one another — and where innovation begins with honoring the craft of those who dedicate their lives to food.

Hanamaruki Foods Inc. is a prominent Japanese manufacturer, recognized globally as one of the largest producers of miso, the traditional fermented soybean paste. The company's history began in November 1918 in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture (Shinshu region). This foundation gives Hanamaruki over a century of expertise in the traditional craft of fermentation. Our corporate philosophy is rooted in "Valuing Natural Ingredients and Craftsmanship." We are committed to producing high-quality, safe, and delicious products by blending time-tested methods with advanced scientific technology.

Innovation and Key Products: While firmly committed to traditional miso, Hanamaruki is also a leader in product innovation involving koji. A key example is the development and patent of the world’s only Liquid Shio Koji. Liquid Shio Koji is a clear, enzyme-rich liquid seasoning made from fermented rice koji and salt. It serves as a versatile ingredient for marinating, tenderizing, and adding a concentrated umami flavor to meat, fish, and vegetables. Along with Liquid Shio Koji, Hanamaruki has leveraged its technical expertise in fermentation to develop Koji Powder and Dried Rice Koji. Koji Powder, the dry powder form of Shio Koji, adds a deep rich kokumi flavor, while Dried Rice Koji is also a dry powder that is curated specifically to tenderize meats and significantly improve quality in bakery goods. The mission of Hanamaruki Foods Inc. is to continue to evolve and serve customers worldwide with high-quality fermented foods, driven by both its historical craftsmanship and continuous innovation, and contributing to the “deliciousness” of food around the world.

JETRO（日本貿易振興機構） 

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-related organization that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and other countries. Leveraging its global network, JETRO works with the national government, local authorities and industry stakeholders to promote Japanese products—including agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products—worldwide. Its activities include supporting private-sector participation in overseas trade shows, inviting foreign buyers to Japan, and organizing business matching events. For the Japanese Wagyu-focused class at the Culinary Institute of America, JETRO New York office is taking the lead in collaboration with JLEC. 

JLEC（日本畜産物輸出促進協議会） 

The Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (JLEC) promotes the export of Japanese livestock products, including Wagyu beef. As part of the “All-Japan” brand strategy, JLEC showcases the quality and appeal of Japanese Wagyu to global customers including culinary professionals and meat buyers. In the U.S., JLEC organizes seminars and participates in exhibitions to promote Japanese Wagyu and facilitate business connections. In collaboration with JETRO, JLEC supports a Japanese Wagyu-focused class at the Culinary Institute of America, offering students deeper insights into Japan’s Wagyu tradition and culinary heritage. 

Tea Life is a Japan-based e-commerce company founded in 1983 in Shizuoka. Guided by the philosophy that “tea connects people and health,” Tea Life focuses on natural and wellness products that support holistic well-being. The company offers a diverse range of products, including traditional Japanese teas, herbal blends, beauty items, and diet supplements, all made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients.

With a mission to provide total health support for people living in the era of centenarians, Tea Life’s business centers on promoting “Wellness & Healthy Lifestyle Support” through its comprehensive e-commerce platform. In the fields of wellness and beauty, the company excels in developing original products and delivering personalized marketing strategies tailored to customer needs. As it continues to expand globally, Tea Life remains committed to sharing Japan’s culture of natural wellness with people around the world.

Supporting Members

Yamaki was established as a kezuribushi (dried fish flakes and their mixture) manufacturer more than a century ago by Toyokichi Kido in Iyo city, Ehime, Japan. Since then, we have steadily grown while maintaining our devotion to provide the various values of Katsuobushi (boiled and dried-smoked skipjack tuna, also commonly known as Bonito) flakes and Dashi. Recently, along with retail market items, Yamaki has been proactively developing products for the food service and vendor industry and aggressively expanding overseas business opportunities. In addition to the taste and flavor values, Yamaki is seeking to spread and deliver the health values of Katsuobushi & Dashi to all people. We, Yamaki members, will work together and provide the versatile values of Japanese originated Katsuobushi & Dashi to customers around the world. We will move forward to be the leading Katsuobushi & Dashi Company that contributes to the whole of society.

Chikaranomoto Holdings Inc., founded in Hakata, Japan, is a global food company best known for its flagship ramen brand, IPPUDO. Since its establishment in 1985, the company has pursued the mission of bringing “Smiles and Arigato to the world through ramen.” With over 300 restaurants across Japan and in more than 15 countries and regions worldwide, Chikaranomoto continues to innovate while preserving Japan’s authentic food culture. Beyond ramen, the company engages in diverse food-related businesses, collaborations, and community initiatives, aiming to connect people and cultures through the universal joy of eating.

We, "Ginza Onodera," under the banner "From Ginza to the World," are disseminating sophisticated Japanese culinary culture to nations across the globe. This is achieved through traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi and tempura, as well as new culinary ventures including wood-fired grilling, noodles, and eel.

To deliver authentic Japanese quality to our global clientele, we promise an "unforgettable experience" for each guest, featuring Japan's finest ingredients in a setting of hospitable culinary artistry. That is "Ginza Onodera."

As a collective embodying professional craftsmanship, we consistently pursue authentic flavors. We will continue our dedicated efforts to further acquaint the world with Japanese cuisine.

SIGMAXYZ Group promotes three key transformations that companies must address: Digital Transformation (DX) to improve business productivity, Service Transformation (SX) to develop new growth business, and Management Transformation (MX) to create autonomous organizations. Acting as a “Sherpa,” its diverse professionals support companies in creating new value. The Group also collaborates across industries to co-create new businesses and industries that address social challenges. In the Food Tech field, SIGMAXYZ provides consulting services and actively shares insights based on deep industry expertise.