Hakubaku Recognized as First 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' by MAFF

Hakubaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo City, Yamanashi Prefecture; President: Shigetoshi Nagasawa), a grain industry leader advocating for 'staple food reform,' has been certified as a 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026,' a designation newly created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) as part of its initiative to promote 'food education for adults.'

This system recognizes corporations that provide healthy meals to employees and contribute to the improvement of their dietary habits. As a prerequisite for this certification, companies must have already applied for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 'Health & Productivity Management' certification. It is an advanced recognition system specializing in 'diet and eating habits,' which are essential aspects of corporate health management.

Hakubaku believes that the most important factor in promoting health-focused management is ensuring all employees are mentally and physically healthy and able to work vigorously. Having achieved five consecutive years of 'Health & Productivity Management' (large enterprise category) certification, Hakubaku has been actively promoting corporate health. The company deeply resonates with the goals of this new food-focused system, which forms the foundation of health.

Hakubaku was selected as one of the inaugural certified corporations due to its three daily practices aimed at improving employee health.

◎ Hakubaku's 'Three Food Education Initiatives'

1. Healthy Corporate Cafeteria Following the relocation of its factory, the company developed menus in collaboration with a cafeteria operator to enhance employee health. All menus display key nutritional values (energy, salt, fat, etc.), and employees can choose between 'Mochimugi (barley) rice' or 'mixed grain rice' as their staple. In addition, employees can freely add barley to their meals, and the company hosts events such as the annual 'Barley & Tororo Day' on June 16. As a sponsor of a professional soccer team, the company also serves local dishes of opposing teams as 'cheering menus' before matches, ensuring a highly satisfying and diverse dining experience.

2. Employee Agricultural Experience In response to internal feedback regarding the need for stronger connections with agriculture, the company launched this initiative in 2022. Employees participate in the cultivation of 'black rice'—an ingredient used in the company’s products—from planting to harvesting. This allows them to understand the story and value behind the products. The program has expanded to include collaboration with local students, where participants experience the entire flow from planting to processing and sales, promoting the importance of agriculture and food. This hands-on experience has enhanced product knowledge and allowed employees to share compelling stories with customers, fostering trust and strengthening relationships with producers.

3. Health Seminars and Dietary Guidance Initiated after analyzing health checkup results with industrial physicians and nurses, these seminars aim to realize the corporate philosophy of 'realizing healthy and rich dietary lives.' Based on yearly themes (e.g., lifestyle disease prevention, stress management, obesity prevention), the company hosts seminars where internal registered dietitians propose specific menus using company products and offer practical guidance. These efforts have yielded high results, with 100% understanding in health seminars and a 98% shift in health awareness among participating employees.

Hakubaku remains committed to earnestly addressing food to support healthy and rich dietary lives for everyone.

◎ Summary of 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' Certification - Certification Program: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation Awards (hosted/certified by MAFF’s 'Public-Private Collaboration Shokuiku Platform') - Certification Name: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026 - Certification Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027