The Research and Information Center in Zama, Japan

Since our founding, Morinaga Milk Industry has focused research efforts on understanding the nutritional value of milk to develop infant formulas that are as close to breast milk as possible. Based on this research, Morinaga has developed a variety of food products, including milk and other dairy products, as well as their derivatives.
Applying the wealth of food technologies accumulated over the years, Morinaga expanded early on into the fields of medical foods and functional food ingredients. Morinaga Milk Industry is devoted to creating delicious and healthy products to satisfy ever-changing consumer needs.

The Food Research & Development Institute develops unique key technologies that are needed to create tasty, beneficial and high-quality dairy products such as milk-based drinks, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and powdered milk. One such technology, aseptic packaging, is extensively utilized in Morinaga products to maintain freshness over long periods of time, even for desserts and tofu. The institute conducts extensive research so that food technology may further evolve, allowing the development of truly beneficial food products that will meet the diverse needs of consumers.

The Nutritional Science Institute focuses on food as it relates to health. Here, research is conducted on the benefits of breast milk and the elements of it that are needed for the growth of healthy infants. The Institute conducts basic research on nutritional biochemistry and physiology to better understand the building blocks of life, and to develop food products that incorporate all the health benefits available through advanced technology. Research conducted here is already responsible for Morinaga's successful marketing of unique clinical foods and highly nutritious products for infants.

Bifidobacteria

The Food Science & Technology Institute conducts fundamental research on microbiology, molecular biology, protein chemistry and separation technology. Results of this research include the development of powder and frozen concentrate of Bifidobacterium, which is recognized as having an important role in human health, and the application of this bacterium in yogurt and probiotic food supplements. Research is also conducted on the immunological functions of lactoferrin, a biologically active protein found in milk. Other ongoing efforts include research on foods that can prevent lifestyle-related diseases by elucidating the functional mechanisms of foods in the human body.

The Analytical Research Center uses state-of-the-art analytical equipment to conduct rigorous inspections of all raw materials in the early stages of new product development. Not only is the composition of raw materials tested and analyzed, but numerous other factors are also tested to ensure conformance with quality, safety and hygiene standards. After production start-up, every lot of critical products such as infant formula, as well as raw materials and additives, is subjected to inspection at both Morinaga production facilities and at the center. This testing ensures the safety of Morinaga products.