S&B Foods Inc., since its foundation in 1923 as a pioneer of manufacturing pure made-in-Japan curry powder, has strived to improve the quality of life and food culture through our various products focusing on peppers and spices, such as garlic, for which we have the largest share in Japan.
With the advent of the 21st century, S & B Foods Inc. designated "SPICE & HERB" as its new corporate symbol in recognition of the enormous potential and growing recognition of herbs, as well as spices. We thus aim to introduce to customers a new world of spices and herbs that will increase the enjoyment of life and culture.
We have also newly formulated the corporate philosophy of "True customer satisfaction" based on our views held since the inception of the corporation. We are committed to ensuring the satisfaction of customers brought by our products and services. The new philosophy represents our firm determination to embody the customers' perspective in all aspects of our business, in order to fulfill our social responsibility.
Regarding herbs which are attracting so much interest, we started producing and selling fresh herbs in 1987 and hold the largest market share. To expand this business, we opened "S&B Herb Center Tsukuba" as a center for collecting, processing and shipping fresh herbs near Tsukuba Science City, the core of Japan's IT industry, and operations are now firmly established.
Regarding overseas projects, we have developed business with the sales of Wasabi, a popular Japanese condiment that is now an internationally recognized word for green horseradish hot paste and curry, through its import and local manufacturing. Moreover, we have formed a global network enabling us to procure top-quality safe spices and herbs that are the heart of our business.
Amid this development, we signed an agreement in 2003 with Lee Kum Kee Food Co., Ltd., the inventor of oyster sauce and a respected global Chinese seasoning manufacturer, on sales collaboration for various Chinese seasonings and sauces in Japan. We also have signed a licensing agreement with FAUCHON, an international French gourmet foods brand, to boost the Japanese spice and herb market with 113 outstanding products bearing the FAUCHON brand.
We will continue to provide ever-better services and to make S&B Foods a global spice and herb brand chosen by customers overseas as well as in Japan.