[EDIX Tokyo Report] Lotte Launches New Food Education Initiative Aimed at Solving Challenges in Inquiry-Based Learning and DX Education

Lotte Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Hideki Nakajima; hereinafter "Lotte") participated in EDIX (Education IT Solutions Expo) Tokyo, one of Japan's largest exhibitions for the education sector, held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 13th (Wed) to 15th (Fri). At the event, Lotte introduced new initiatives in the field of food education, allowing participants to experience real-world business scenarios including product development, data analysis, and IoT. Many educational professionals visited the Lotte booth.

Below are some of the initiatives showcased, which include programs where Lotte employees participate as guest lecturers:

(1) Data Science Class (in cooperation with Macromill, Inc.) This is a practical data utilization program using "QPR," real consumer purchase history data of 35,000 people nationwide provided by Macromill, Inc. Students take on the role of Lotte marketing specialists, deciphering data on who bought what, when, how much, and at what price, to develop tactics for increasing product sales. Through this experience, they learn the entire process from discovering problems to making decisions, essential skills in the business world.

(2) Inquiry-Based Class on New Product Development Students learn Lotte's actual product development methodology and practice everything from target audience setting and brainstorming to package/CM production and final presentations. By experiencing the process of creating new value from scratch using familiar snacks as subjects, students develop fundamental business skills such as creative brainstorming and logical thinking.

(3) Inquiry-Based Class on Regional Revitalization (in collaboration with Tokyu Corporation) This is a collaborative program that combines Lotte's "product development" know-how with Tokyu's "town development" expertise. Utilizing perspectives on understanding communities deeply provided by Tokyu staff, students use Lotte's development methods to plan and propose "snacks that increase fans of the town." This realizes practical inquiry-based learning that addresses regional issues from multi-faceted viewpoints.

Background of the Initiative Currently, educational settings are rapidly advancing towards DX education for the next generation, characterized by a shift toward proactive learning through "inquiry-based learning" and the strengthening of information education (data utilization, programming, etc.). However, they face serious challenges such as "lack of textbooks for inquiry-based learning," "shortage of DX talent and teachers capable of utilizing ICT," and "insufficient preparation time for lessons." Lotte aims to solve these issues by leveraging its unique assets and expertise, realizing lessons closely connected to society. Teachers who have implemented these programs have praised them, stating, "Classes by familiar companies like Lotte significantly increase students' interest and motivation."

Comment from Naoki Kanazawa, Food Education Promotion Section, Sustainability Promotion Department, Lotte Co., Ltd. "At Lotte, we consider food to be the foundation of health and are committed to food education activities that deepen the understanding of proper nutrition. This new educational program is an additional initiative that realizes our sustainability goal of 'returning experience and skills to society and connecting diverse external experiences to personal and organizational growth.' By sharing our accumulated methodology for new product development and data analysis know-how, we aim to cultivate inquiry-based learning and the information utilization capabilities that support it. We believe it is our mission as 'Your Partner for Life (O-kuchi no Koibito)' to realize CSV management that creates 'margins' for teachers and leads to the growth of children with a bright future."

Sustainability Goal: "Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048" Lotte promotes sustainable management under the sustainability goal "Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048." Goals include having 20% or more of employees participating in food education activities by 2028, and by 2038, returning experience and skills to society to facilitate the growth of individuals and the organization through diverse external experiences.