Mitsui Norin and Owariasahi City Sign Agreement for Collaborative Development of a Tea-Integrated Community

Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroshi Fujii; hereinafter "the Company") has signed the "Agreement on Collaboration for Building a Community Integrated with Tea" with Owariasahi City, Aichi Prefecture, on July 13, 2026, aiming to promote tea culture and integrate tea into citizens' daily lives.

Owariasahi City ranks first in Japan in the number of shops certified as "Delicious Tea Shops" by the Japan Tea Association (as of November in Reiwa 7). In collaboration with the Owariasahi City Tourism Association, the city has been advancing tea-centered urban development through initiatives such as hosting the "Domestic Black Tea Grand Prix," which determines Japan's best domestically produced black tea, and the "Tea Festival in Owariasahi," a gathering of tea-related events.

Moving forward, the Company will collaborate with Owariasahi City on various joint projects, including tea-themed lessons in elementary schools, introducing tea-based menus in school lunches, operating booths at local events, and developing local gourmet dishes using tea in collaboration with local restaurants. Through these activities, the Company aims to realize a community where tea is an integral part of daily life and deepen collaboration with the local community.

The Company's flagship brand, "Nittoh Tea," will reach its 100th anniversary in 2027, a historic milestone. Guided by its brand essence, "Let’s create more possibilities for TEA," the Company seeks to expand the potential of tea in every aspect—how people enjoy tea, the roles tea plays, and the connections tea fosters among people and communities.

Achieving this vision requires collaboration with local communities, not just corporate efforts alone. The Company is committed to going beyond mere product supply and striving to create new value.

This collaboration agreement marks the first step in that journey. By combining both parties' strengths and shared aspirations, the Company aims to co-create new value and promote this tea-integrated community model as a nationally recognized success story, together with Owariasahi City.

About Mitsui Norin

"Life Innovators ~ We sincerely continue to challenge ourselves to be close to your everyday life and create a more joyful future. ~"

Originating from the Forestry Department (later the Agriculture and Forestry Department) of Mitsui Gomei Kaisha, Japan’s first holding company established in 1909 (Meiji 42), the Company has long been engaged in the tea product business. Today, in its food business, it manufactures and sells household black and green teas, supplies products to hotels, restaurant chains, and cup vending machines, and provides raw materials for various tea-based beverages. In its functional materials business, it conducts research and development and supplies and sells tea extracts and tea catechins. The Company operates factories in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and has a Food综合 Research Institute in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Official Website of Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. https://www.mitsui-norin.co.jp/

About Nittoh Tea

"Let’s create more possibilities for TEA."

Nittoh Tea, the flagship brand of Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., was born in 1927 (Showa 2) as "Mitsui Tea," Japan’s first domestically branded black tea. Renamed "Nittoh Tea," the brand has worked to popularize tea in Japan, driven by the desire to "share the deliciousness of tea with more people" and "deliver safe, high-quality tea at affordable prices." Adapting to changing times, the brand continues to launch innovative product lines, embracing the diverse potential of "TEA" beyond traditional black tea.

In anticipation of Nittoh Tea’s 100th anniversary in 2027, the Company is preparing a range of exciting projects and content to connect with more people through tea.

Official Website of Nittoh Tea https://www.nittoh-tea.com/