Yachi Forestry, with 110 Years of Charcoal Expertise, Develops 'Kurozumi Powder' from Iwate Oak Charcoal

Yachi Forestry has developed 'Kurozumi Powder', a food-grade vegetable carbon black made from Iwate-grown oak charcoal. It will be available as a food additive starting in May 2026.

With 110 years of history in charcoal production, the company operates in Iwate Prefecture, the second-largest charcoal producer in Japan. The oak charcoal used as the raw material is crafted by an artisan who is the only recipient of the Prime Minister's Award in the Japanese charcoal industry, representing high-quality traditional Japanese manufacturing.

The core advantage of Kurozumi Powder lies in its ease of color adjustment and reproducibility through micronization. With a median particle size of approximately 5.6μm—comparable to stone-ground matcha—it disperses uniformly in food products, minimizing clumping and uneven coloring. This ensures stable color performance and prevents precipitation in liquids.

Furthermore, the powder offers a smooth texture that eliminates the typical grittiness of charcoal. It is suitable for applications where mouthfeel is crucial, such as creams, mousses, ice cream, and beverages. Due to its low impurity content and minimal impact on flavor, it blends easily into existing recipes.

The powder enables delicate black expressions reminiscent of the Japanese aesthetic of 'Wabi-sabi', making it a promising candidate not only for the domestic market but also as a symbol of 'Japan Quality' for inbound tourism and export products.

While focusing on commercial sales for food manufacturers, the company will also expand availability through e-commerce and retail outlets.