Noriaki Horikiri

Noriaki Horikiri serves as President and CEO of Kikkoman Corporation, the world's largest and most recognized producer of naturally brewed soy sauce. Kikkoman's history stretches back to 1630 in the city of Noda, making it one of Japan's oldest continuously operating companies. The company's signature achievement has been transforming soy sauce from an Asian condiment into a globally used seasoning — Kikkoman soy sauce is now found in kitchens and restaurants across more than 100 countries. Kikkoman generates over 60% of its revenue outside Japan, with major production facilities in Wisconsin (USA), the Netherlands, Singapore, and China. The North American market has been particularly successful — Kikkoman holds dominant market share in the U.S. soy sauce market. The company positions its products as natural, umami-rich seasonings that enhance any cuisine, not just Asian food, a positioning strategy that has driven consistent growth in Western markets. Beyond soy sauce, Kikkoman has diversified into other food products and beverages, including Del Monte products in the Asia-Pacific region and a soy milk business. The company also operates food distribution and restaurant businesses in Japan. Key stock drivers include international soy sauce volume growth, pricing power, foreign exchange rates (particularly USD/JPY and EUR/JPY), North American and European market penetration, soybean and wheat costs, and the growing global interest in umami and Asian flavors.