Inauguration of Ajinomoto Foods Europe S.A.S Purchase of shares in European company completes Ajinomoto’s global MSG production and distribution network October 15, 2003 --- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto; President: Kunio Egashira) announced that on July 31, 2003, following the approval of the relevant authorities, it completed the purchase of all the outstanding shares of ORSAN SA, a producer of monosodium glutamate (MSG). The purchase cost was approximately 60 million euros (JPY8.1 billion). From October 1, 2003 the company started operating under its new name, Ajinomoto Foods Europe S.A.S. Although Ajinomoto already has 15 MSG production facilities worldwide, as a result of this move it has obtained production capacity of 50,000 tons a year in the large and important European market, and completed the construction of a worldwide production network. This will enable Ajinomoto to provide stable supplies of top quality MSG globally, and to provide close customer service to customers in the region. Ajinomoto estimates that as a result its share of the global market for MSG will be 33% (or over 50% excluding China). As well as producing and distributing MSG, Ajinomoto Foods Europe will develop businesses in nucleotides and seasonings for processed and other foods, and will consider the potential for expanded home-use seasonings and foods operations. Ultimately, Ajinomoto Foods Europe stands to play a key role as the cornerstone company in Ajinomoto’s seasonings and foods business in Europe and Africa. Outline of Ajinomoto Foods Europe Company name Ajinomoto Foods Europe S.A.S. Headquarters 153 rue de Courcelles, 75017 Paris, France Factory location Nesle, Somme, France Inauguration Date October 1, 2003 Net Sales 68.9 million Euros (approx. JPY9.3 billion) in FY to March 2003 Capital 23.9 million Euros (approx. JPY3.2 billion) as of October 1, 2003 Ownership 100% owned by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. President Tomomi Miyama Number of Employees About 190 Main business Production and sales of monosodium glutamate (MSG) For further information please contact: Ajinomoto Public Relations Department; Tel: +81-3- 5250-8180

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