Jan 30 2010
Last week Tokyo-based company Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. officially announced plans to build its first U.S. production facility by 2012 and extend sales of its signature probiotic drink, Yakult, into other areas of the country.
Due to the stable growth of the product through major retail chains such as Kroger, Safeway, SUPERVALU and Wal-Mart on the West Coast, the company has determined it will continue expanding its business to the Midwest and East Coast. Yakult U.S.A. Inc. is importing the beverage from Guadalajara, Mexico, the closest plant to U.S. borders. No location has been chosen for the U.S. factory.
"We are very satisfied with the progress and impact Yakult has been making in the U.S. market and hope it continues," says Mr. Yoshihiro Kawabata, head of Yakult's international business division. "While the sales are impressive, our company stays true to its mission – to help improve the health and happiness of people everywhere."
Yakult was introduced into the first mainstream U.S. market in September 2007, starting in California and gradually rolling out to other states including Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Currently Yakult's U.S. sales stand at around 100,000 bottles per day in six states and 28 million bottles per day globally.
"One of the keys to our steady growth is our honest and sincere approach to educate our customers about their health," says Yakult U.S.A. vice president and COO Mr. Teruo Tabuchi.
Source: http://www.yakultusa.com/