Sugimoto Group

What Sugimoto Group does

Sugimoto Group is a Nagoya-headquartered, family-owned meat specialist founded in 1900, operating a vertically integrated platform spanning contract farming, processing, wholesale, retail, and restaurants across Japan. The group's core products are premium Japanese beef (Matsusaka, Kuroge Wagyu), premium pork (Kurobuta, Aichi Mikawa Pork), Nagoya Cochin chicken, processed meats (ham, sausages, bacon), ready meals, and retort curry under sub-brands including Curnon Tue (French Jura Mountain smoked meats) and Hyojyuku (ice-temperature aged beef). Technical differentiation centers on a proprietary ice-temperature aging process at average minus 1°C and traditional French smoking techniques, alongside ISO22000-certified processing facilities and HACCP compliance.

The business makes money through five parallel revenue streams: B2B meat wholesale to hotels, restaurants, and retail; direct retail via 32 directly-operated stores in department stores, shopping malls, and factory outlets; 11 directly-operated restaurants covering sukiyaki/shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and NY-style steakhouse concepts; processed food manufacturing; and gift/e-commerce sales. The group serves premium individual consumers seeking authentic wagyu and Nagoya specialty dishes, B2B food service operators, department store partners including Matsuzakiya, JR Nagoya Takashimaya and Daimaru, and corporate entertainment clients. International operations extend to Shanghai (since 2014) and Bangkok (since 2018).

Group structure includes wholly-owned subsidiaries Sugimoto Meat Chain, Curnon Tue, Sugimoto Farm, Sugimoto Meat Thailand, Shanghai Meimei Foods, Mikaku-kou, Akadonbo, and a holding company (Sugimoto Group Holdings) established in November 2024. As of March 2026, group-wide headcount is approximately 1,160 employees. Leadership transitioned in April 2025 to a fifth-generation President (Masaya Sugimoto) with Tatsuya Sugimoto assuming the Chairman role. The company does not publicly disclose revenue.

Name

Sugimoto Group

Legal name

杉本食肉産業株式会社

Website

https://oniku-sugimoto.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Sugimoto Group is a Nagoya-based, 125-year-old family-owned meat specialist that vertically integrates contract farming, processing, wholesale, 32 retail stores, 11 restaurants, and e-commerce to deliver premium Japanese beef, pork, and chicken across Japan, Shanghai, and Bangkok.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Meat Products and Distribution

NAICS

Animal Slaughtering and Processing (3116), Animal (except Poultry) Slaughtering (311611), Poultry Processing (311615), Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers (42447), Meat Retailers (445240)

SIC

Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013), Meat Packing Plants (2011)

akta.pro primary industry

Further Processing (Cooked, Smoked, Cured & Deli Meats) (AFAKALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Frozen Meat, Poultry & Seafood Wholesale (AFAIAHAF), Refrigerated Meat & Seafood (Processed/Packaged) (CRADACAK)

Keywords

• Meat wholesale distribution
• Premium wagyu beef
• Processed meat products
• Meat retail stores
• Restaurant operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Nagoya

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. 食肉卸売 (Meat Wholesale): Wholesale distribution of beef, pork, chicken and other meats to hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Core B2B revenue stream.
2. 小売店舗販売 (Retail Store Sales): Direct retail sales through 32 directly operated stores in department stores and shopping malls.
3. レストラン事業 (Restaurant Operations): Operation of 11 restaurants including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and steak houses.
4. 加工食品販売 (Processed Food Sales): Sales of ham, sausages, roasts, retort foods, and ready-made dishes.
5. ギフト・通信販売 (Gift/E-commerce Sales): Online sales and gift product catalog sales for premium meat products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sugimoto Group manufactures, processes, and distributes premium Japanese beef, pork, and chicken products through wholesale, retail stores, restaurants, and e-commerce. The company operates a vertically integrated meat business from contract farm sourcing through processing, wholesale distribution to hotels and restaurants, 32 directly operated retail stores, and 11 dining restaurants. Distinct sub-brands include Curnon Tue (French smoked meats) and Hyojyuku (ice-temperature aged beef) produced with proprietary aging technology.

Product overview

Sugimoto Group operates as a vertically integrated meat business offering premium Japanese beef (Matsusaka, Kuroge Wagyu), pork (Kurobuta, Mikawa Pork), and chicken (Nagoya Cochin). Their portfolio includes core meat products, processed meats (ham, sausages, roast beef, hamburgers), retort curries, and ready meals. Distinct sub-brands include Curnon Tue (French-style smoked meats from Hida Takayama) and Hyojyuku (ice-temperature aged beef at minus 1°C). The company operates retail stores nationwide (32 directly-operated), restaurants including sukiyaki/shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and steakhouses (SUGIMOTO THE STEAK, Oniku-Zen, Old Manhattan), plus e-commerce through their online shop. They also offer OEM product development services and operate cooking classes through their Happy Smile Club program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 氷熟: Minus 1 degree ice-aged beef product line using proprietary ice-temperature aging technology
• 百年の匠
• 松阪牛ビーフカレー
• スギモト黒毛和牛
• 桑水流黒豚
• キュルノンチュエ

Products and services

• Matsusaka Beef (松阪牛) Premium Japanese beef from the Matsusaka region, one of Japan's three major wagyu brands. Sourced from Tajima cattle through the Matsusaka Beef Individual Identification Management System. Targeted at premium Japanese consumers and high-end restaurants.
• Kuroge Wagyu (黒毛和牛) Japanese Black cattle beef sourced nationwide from contracted farms with direct relationships with producers. For premium consumers and food service operators.
• Kurobuta/Premium Pork (黒豚・銘柄豚) Premium pork including Kuroudoidon (Sarusu Black Pork) from Miyazaki Prefecture and Aichi Mikawa Pork, characterized by tender texture and rich flavor. Targeted at premium consumers and food service.
• Nagoya Cochin (名古屋コーチン) One of Japan's three major regional chicken breeds, raised for 120-150 days with rich flavor and firm texture compared to broilers. Targeted at premium consumers and restaurants.
• Ready Meals/Side Dishes (お惣菜) Handmade ready meals including menchi katsu, croquettes, tonkatsu, hamburg, beef simmered dishes, and beef bowls. For retail consumers via department stores and retail stores.
• Retort Curry (レトルトカレー) Retort curry products featuring Matsusaka Beef and Nagoya Cochin. For retail consumers and gifting.
• Curnon Tue (キュルノンチュエ) French-style smoked meats produced in Hida Takayama area using traditional Jura Mountain techniques. Includes dry sausages, ham, and bacon. For premium consumers and B2B customers.
• Hyojyuku - Ice-temperature Aged Meat (氷熟) Unique aging technique maintaining average minus 1°C to prevent freezing while allowing extended aging, producing sweeter and cleaner tasting meat. For premium retail and restaurant customers.
• Hyakunin no Takumi - Century Craftsmanship (百年の匠) Premium processed meats including ham steaks, bacon, and sausages crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. For premium consumers and gifting.
• Processed Meats (加工品) Ham, sausages, roast beef, hamburgers, wieners, bacon, and seasoned chicken wings produced using traditional methods. For retail consumers and B2B customers.
• Sukiyaki/Shabu-shabu Sugimoto Main Store Restaurant (すき焼・しゃぶしゃぶスギモト本店) Upscale sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant at the main store featuring Matsusaka beef and premium wagyu. For premium individual dining customers.
• Yakiniku Sugimoto HOUSeN (焼肉スギモト HOUSeN) Yakiniku restaurant specializing in carefully selected Kuroge wagyu from various regions. For premium individual dining customers.
• SUGIMOTO THE STEAK NY-style steakhouse offering thick-cut steaks using ice-temperature aged beef, opened May 2024 in Nagoya. For premium individual dining customers.
• Oniku-Zen Sugimoto Restaurant (お肉膳スギモト) Casual Japanese set meal restaurant offering sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and rice bowls with premium beef at accessible prices. For mid-market and premium consumers.
• Old Manhattan (オールドマンハッタン) Aging beef restaurant featuring ice-aged beef and NY-style dry-aged beef, located at Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro. For premium individual dining customers.
• Wagyu Sugimoto San (和牛スギモト燦) Premium wagyu restaurant concept opened in June 2026 at The Landmark Nagoya Sakae. For premium individual dining customers.
• Sugimoto Meat Retail Stores (お肉の専門店スギモト) Direct retail stores selling fresh meat, processed products, and ready meals. Includes 32 directly operated stores nationwide including department stores and mall locations. For individual consumers.
• Sugimoto Online Shop (オンラインショップ) Online shopping platform for meat products, processed foods, and gift items with nationwide delivery service. For individual consumers and gift purchasers.
• Meat Wholesale Distribution (食肉卸売) Wholesale distribution of beef, pork, chicken and other meats to hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. For B2B food service operators.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• 中日ドラゴンズ (Chunichi Dragons)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal sports team sponsorship - providing meat products and supporting regional baseball. Team competes in Nippon Professional Baseball Central League.
• 名古屋ダイヤモンドドルフィンズ (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerB.LEAGUE basketball team sponsorship - supporting local professional sports team.
• トヨタヴェルブリッツ (Toyota Verblitz)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerJAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE team sponsorship - corporate partnership with local rugby team.
• 名古屋シティユナイテッドFC (Nagoya City United FC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal soccer (football) team sponsorship - supporting regional sports.
• JAL ふるさとプロジェクトminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on regional product development using Aichi Prefecture livestock products. Multiple product collaborations.
• 竹内牧場 (Takeuchi Ranch)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive contract farm for Matsusaka beef. Long-standing partnership producing premium Matsusaka beef. Located in Mie Prefecture.
• 下村畜産 (Shimochiku)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContract cattle farm in Aichi Prefecture with advanced IT systems (牛歩) for cattle health monitoring using step counters and automated alerts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Starzen Co., Ltd. One of Japan's largest meat wholesalers and processors with a comparable B2B meat distribution model and nationwide supply network. Starzen operates across beef, pork, and poultry trading and processed meat manufacturing, closely matching Sugimoto's wholesale and processed meat backbone.
• Meat Hamanasu (Hanamasa): Specialist Japanese meat retailer and wholesaler operating directly-operated stores and a B2B supply business. Hanamasa mirrors Sugimoto's combined retail-plus-wholesale meat model and targets overlapping B2B foodservice and retail customers.
• Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. Operates the Business Supermarket chain in Japan emphasizing premium and imported meats, plus frozen food wholesale and manufacturing. Kobe Bussan is a comparable premium-meat-led retailer with vertical supply capabilities and a similar target consumer.
• Prima Meat Packers, Ltd. Japanese processed-meat and fresh meat company with ham, sausage, and fresh meat operations across retail and food service. Prima competes head-to-head with Sugimoto in processed meats and shares the supermarket and B2B wholesale customer base.
• Itoham Foods Inc. Major Japanese processed-meat manufacturer producing ham, sausages, and processed beef/pork products for retail and food service. Itoham directly competes with Sugimoto's Hyakunin no Takumi and Curnon Tue processed meat lines and shares the same retail and B2B customer base.
• Marudai Food Co., Ltd. Established Japanese processed meat (ham, sausage, bacon) maker supplying supermarkets, department stores, and food service. Marudai overlaps with Sugimoto's Toyota factory output and processed meat portfolio, both selling through similar retail and wholesale channels in Japan.

Others

• Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd. Operates steakhouse and casual dining chains (including いきなり！ステーキ) that are major downstream consumers of Japanese beef. Zensho is a relevant customer/ecosystem participant and a benchmark for scaling branded steakhouse concepts, similar to SUGIMOTO THE STEAK and Old Manhattan.

Broad incumbents

• AEON Co., Ltd. Largest Japanese supermarket and mall operator whose food halls and Aeon Mall locations host Sugimoto's retail stores. AEON's meat departments and outlet shopping centers shape the same competitive and real-estate landscape as Sugimoto's directly-operated stores and Mitsui/Aeon partnerships.
• Nippon Ham (NH Foods) Ltd. Largest diversified meat company in Japan with processed meats, fresh meats, and a broad portfolio across retail brands. While far larger and more diversified than Sugimoto, NH Foods competes across processed meats, retail, and food service and sets the competitive ceiling for premium positioning.

Emerging players

• On-Yasai Co., Ltd. (Oasis Table): Specialty shabu-shabu restaurant chain in Japan with a similar premium-meat dining positioning. On-Yasai overlaps directly with Sugimoto's sukiyaki/shabu-shabu restaurants as a comparable consumer-facing meat-led dining concept.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/l7WaGuLs0VmJWDn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzG07ZYqmxQ8tablGZyngQA/featured
• Instagraminstagram.com/oniku_sugimoto/?hl=ja

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sugimoto Group