At Mizkan America, Inc., our success comes from over 200 years of rich Japanese tradition.
Our roots go back to 19th century Handa where, in 1804, Mr. Matazaemon Nakano began producing rice vinegar using byproducts from the production of sake (rice alcohol). Little did he know that as he sold this new product to local sushi chefs he was laying the groundwork for a company that would become the largest vinegar producer in the world.
Opened in 1811. Later known as the Handa Factory. Fermented vinegar is produced on a large scale.
Boats in the Handa canal outside the Mizkan factory in Japan
Inside the Mizkan factory
Mr. Nakano named his company the Mitsukan Group. In the years that followed, superior products and visionary leadership helped Mitsukan grow and thrive. In the late 1970s, Mitsukan expanded from Japan into the United States and began acquiring regional condiment companies. In 1995, in honor of its founder, the U.S. arm of the business changed its name to Nakano Foods, Inc.
In 2004, New Mizkan Group Vision and Corporate Symbol are established.
The new Mizkan Group Vision (Bringing Flavor to Life) is unveiled. At the same time in the North American operation, Nakano Foods, Inc. had changed its name to Mizkan Americas, Inc. (the current name is Mizkan America, Inc.).
The Mizkan Mark (Corporate Symbol) depicts our continued quest for excellence. The three bars represent Taste, Tang, and Aroma. The circle represents the perfect balance of these characteristics in making quality liquid condiments.
In 2005, Mizkan acquired Holland House™, a branded cooking wine for household use in the United States.
Mizkan expands the US business in 2014 with the acquisition of popular pasta sauce brand RAGÚ™ and the leading premium pasta sauce brand, Bertolli™.
Originally published in 2018, you can see the full vision statement here.
Today the Mizkan name is respected throughout the world’s retail, foodservice, and industrial channels for Bringing Flavor to Life™ with its quality vinegars, seasoned rice vinegars, balsamic vinegars, wine vinegars, salad dressings, and authentic Asian sauces.
