Chika Takahashi of 'Umi Purin' Wins the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Secretariat Award at the 47th Food Industry Excellence Awards

Chika Takahashi, representative of Namine (Headquarters: 5-5 Taito Beach 88-1F, Torami, Ichinomiya-cho, Chosei-gun, Chiba Prefecture; URL: https://umipurin.jp/), has received the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Secretariat Award in the 'Agriculture-Commerce-Industry Collaboration Promotion' category at the 47th Food Industry Excellence Awards. This award recognizes contributions to regional revitalization and collaboration with local agricultural and fishery producers. The award ceremony was held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Josui Kaikan (Tokyo Kaikan), where the certificate was presented by Mr. Kanai, Director-General of the Minister's Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

[Award Details] Award Name: 47th Food Industry Excellence Awards, Food Industry Category (Agriculture-Commerce-Industry Collaboration Promotion Type). This category evaluates initiatives that contribute to the development of regional industries through collaboration with local producers, raw material procurement, and job creation.

[Summary of Achievements] Since 2023, the company has developed and sold 'Umi Purin' using local ingredients, promoting the branding of regional resources. 'Umi Purin' won the Bronze Prize at the 'Food Chiba Masterpiece Discovery 2025'. Additionally, the company supports farmers and reduces food loss by utilizing non-standard pears. Furthermore, by collaborating with tourism associations and local event organizers in Ichinomiya, the company has developed activities that link local tourism with food.

[About the Food Industry Excellence Awards] Established in 1979 to contribute to the development of the food industry and the improvement of the national diet, this award recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals who have made significant achievements in food manufacturing and distribution. The project is co-hosted by the Food Industry Center and the Food Distribution Rationalization Promotion Organization, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

[The Journey So Far] Starting with the 'Food Chiba Masterpiece Discovery 2025' Bronze Prize, moving through the '2nd Local Pudding Festival' (Judge's Special Award by master chef Kihachi Kumagai), and culminating in this Minister's Secretariat Award, the journey has been one of rapid growth and dedication to the local community.