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Jan. 28, 2010
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Announcement of Cooperation with DSM to Establish "Social Business",
Aiming for Nutritional Improvement in Developing Countries |
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1. "Social Business" Accelerated in Cooperation with DSM Ajinomoto has launched a project in Ghana to establish "Social Business", which aims at improvement of nutrition in the developing countries1. The cooperation with Royal DSM N.V., a life science company headquartered in the Netherlands which has both many achievements and the know-how in this sphere, will further accelerate the development of this project and enable us to further expand "Social Business" aimed at nutrition improvement in many countries around the world. Through this project, we intend to establish a sustainable business to solve malnutrition, one of the important social problems of the developing countries. We call this type of new business a "Social Business". With this as an example, we will promote "Open Innovation", a utilization of external resources in and outside Japan to accelerate the development of new businesses and new products. 2. Launch of a Project for the Establishment of "Social Business" for the Nutritional Improvement of Children We consider improving nutrition in developing countries to be one of the important missions of Ajinomoto and have been organizing the following activities. (1) AIN program (2) Conducting studies on Lysine fortification for people health improvement in collaboration with INF (International Nutrition Foundation) Based on the above experiences, last year Ajinomoto launched a new project in Ghana in collaboration with the University of Ghana and the INF, to develop foods to improve nutrition of children during the weaning period. In this project:
1 Nutritional improvement is one of the items in the UN Millennium Development Goal, which should be accomplished through partnership among various stakeholders. Movement towards "public-private partnership" and alliances between NGOs and private companies are accelerating throughout the world. Ajinomoto has started to probe the possibilities of fruitful alliances and already became a member of GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), established contacts with multinational companies, UN organizations (WFP, UNICEF) and NGOs, which are involved in the activities aimed at nutritional improvement. We plan to start the business within 2 - 3 years in Ghana and, having successfully proven its functionality in Ghana, will apply the business model to other countries in the world. Appendix 1. Activities of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. for Nutrition Improvement A) AIN Program Ajinomoto Co. Inc. has been engaged in nutrition improvement in developing countries as a part of our contribution to society. The Ajinomoto International Cooperation Network for Nutrition and Health (AIN) Program was launched in 1999 on the occasion of Ajinomoto Co., Inc.'s 90th anniversary with a purpose of improving problems on food, nutrition and health in developing countries and enhancing the quality of life of the people. The program is conducted in collaboration with expert advisory boards, NGOs, local community partners, and various other organizations, and has so far supported more than 50,000 people through a total of 38 projects in 12 countries in Asia and South America. B) Lysine fortification studies In order to scientifically prove the efficacy of food fortification (wheat flour etc.) with L-Lysine, one of the essential amino acids, since 1995 Ajinomoto conducted field studies in 5 countries (Pakistan, China, Syria, Bangladesh and Ghana) in collaboration with Dr. Scrimshaw of INF (International Nutrition Foundation). The studies demonstrated the improvement in health status of people and better growth of children with Lysine fortification. The results were published in scientific meetings etc. 2. Additional Information on DSM A) About DSM
DSM has made a commitment to fight hunger and malnutrition around the world and, for this reason has partnered with various stakeholders, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the largest provider of food aid to the world's hungry. DSM provides technical and scientific expertise and high nutrient products as well as financial assistance to improve the WFP food basket through the addition of essential micronutrients. B) DSM's Nutrition Improvement Program The Nutrition Improvement Program of DSM Nutritional Products Ltd is dedicated to improving human health and prosperity by eliminating micronutrient malnutrition, also known as "hidden hunger." This program focuses its activities primarily on family health with a special focus on women of childbearing age and children under two years of age. We concentrate on this target group because malnutrition has its most devastating effects on a child's health from the moment of conception to the second birthday. Ensuring an adequate supply of essential micronutrients helps to protect against infection, utilize energy efficiently and grow in the optimal way. Without proper nutrition early in life, children are permanently robbed of their mental and physical potential. Programs to eliminate malnutrition must be well designed, carefully monitored and provide all the essential micronutrients lacking in the diet. A well designed and properly managed food fortification program is one of the most cost-effective strategies available for improving the nutritional status of a population in a sustainable way. DSM has the expertise, experience and resources, needed to support an effective food fortification program anywhere in the world. DSM Nutritional Products Ltd is the only integrated provider of vitamins and other nutrients that has in-house research and development facilities, provide tailor-made premix blends and offer comprehensive support to ensure effective communication and regulatory measures. For further information, please contact: Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Public Communications Department; Tel: +81-3-5250-8180 CLOSE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||