Food & Company

What Food & Company does

Food & Company (株式会社FOOD&COMPANY) is a privately held Tokyo-based specialty grocery retailer founded in November 2013. It operates four physical retail locations across the Tokyo-Kanagawa area — the Gakugei-Daigaku flagship store (opened March 2014), Shonan T-SITE (2019), Daikanyama T-SITE (March 2022), and a compact MINI format inside JR Shinjuku station (NEWoMan) — plus a digital storefront (Neighbors) launched in 2022. All product selection is governed by the company's proprietary F.L.O.S.S. framework (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Sustainable), positioning the brand around curated organic and seasonal foods, sustainable lifestyle goods, and direct relationships with small-scale Japanese producers.

The company generates revenue through four streams: in-store retail (the primary driver), the Neighbors online store and the recurring Neighbors CLUB seafood subscription, retail consulting and concept work for partners such as T-SITE and Eslite Bookstore's Japan debut, and the annual Neighbors Food Market B2B trade fair (co-organized with Hakuhodo since 2025). Marketing is primarily organic social (Instagram, Facebook, LINE, newsletter) plus recurring seasonal fairs (Winter, Summer Gift, Spring Gift) and pop-up event participation. The legacy FOOD&COMPANY Online Store was closed in November 2024, with e-commerce consolidated into the Neighbors platform. The company has no disclosed institutional investors, no parent company, and no public funding rounds; headcount is reported as 11–50 employees. Geographic operations are limited to Tokyo and Kanagawa, with an exploratory US test-marketing engagement via JETRO's "Nippon Gochiso Select" program.

Name

Food & Company

Legal name

株式会社FOOD&COMPANY

Website

https://foodandcompany.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tokyo-based specialty grocery retailer operating four curated stores plus the Neighbors online platform under its F.L.O.S.S. (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Sustainable) selection framework, serving urban consumers in Tokyo-Kanagawa with organic and seasonal foods, gift products, and producer storytelling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Grocery Retail

NAICS

Specialty Food Retailers (4452), Other Specialty Food Retailers (44529)

SIC

Retail-Grocery Stores (5411), Retail-Food Stores (5400)

akta.pro primary industry

Natural Specialty Food Stores (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Keto, Allergy-Friendly) (CRAHAEAE)

Keywords

• Specialty grocery retail
• Curated organic food
• Community-based retail
• Sustainable food curation
• Food retail consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Physical Retail Store Sales: Revenue from the sale of curated organic, seasonal, and local grocery items across four physical store locations (Gakugei-Daigaku, Shonan T-SITE, Daikanyama T-SITE, and MINI by FOOD&COMPANY at NEWoMan Shinjuku). Products include fresh produce, alcoholic beverages, specialty foods, and sustainable lifestyle goods. This is the primary revenue driver.
2. Neighbors Online Store & Subscription: Community-type online store Neighbors (neighbors.foodandcompany.co.jp) sells curated producer items directly to consumers, including the Neighbors CLUB subscription box delivering seasonal seafood on a recurring 3-month cadence. The original online store closed November 2024; Neighbors continues as the primary digital channel.
3. Consulting & Partnership / Consulting Services: Advisory services leveraging in-house retail expertise to help partners develop food zone concepts, product selection, MD planning, and event/concept development. Clients have included Eisei Shogai Nihonbashi, T-SITE Shonan, and JETRO's Nippon Gochiso Select program.
4. Neighbors Food Market Trading Fair: Organized trading fair events connecting small-scale food producers with retail buyers, foodservice operators, and press. Revenue is generated through participation fees and strengthened wholesale/consulting relationships. The 2024 edition drew 34 producers and 800+ attendees over two days.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FOOD&COMPANY is a specialty grocery retailer operating four physical stores (plus a MINI format) in Tokyo and Kanagawa, selling curated organic, local, and seasonal food products selected under its proprietary F.L.O.S.S. framework. The company extends this retail concept through the Neighbors online community store, a seafood subscription program (Neighbors CLUB), seasonal fairs, and B2B retail consulting services.

Product overview

FOOD&COMPANY operates as a multi-format grocery retail company combining physical stores with digital extensions. The core offering consists of four physical retail locations (Gakugei-Daigaku flagship, Shonan T-SITE, Daikanyama T-SITE, and MINI format at NEWoMan Shinjuku) offering products selected under their proprietary F.L.O.S.S. guidelines (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Sustainable). The digital ecosystem includes the Neighbors Online Store for e-commerce and community engagement, with the Neighbors CLUB subscription service delivering fresh seafood and educational content. The company also organizes periodic Seasonal Fairs (Winter, Summer, Spring) and hosts the annual Neighbors Food Market trade show. Additionally, they offer Retail Business Consulting services leveraging their operational expertise. The original FOOD&COMPANY Online Store was closed in November 2024, consolidating online operations into the Neighbors platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FOOD&COMPANY Neighbors: Community-type online store operated by FOOD&COMPANY, connecting producers, retailers, and consumers through curated food products and experiential programs.
• Neighbors Food Market
• Neighbors CLUB

Products and services

• FOOD&COMPANY Physical Retail Stores Network of four specialty grocery stores (Gakugei-Daigaku flagship, Shonan T-SITE, Daikanyama T-SITE) plus one compact MINI format at NEWoMan Shinjuku station, offering curated organic, local, and seasonal food products selected under the F.L.O.S.S. framework for Tokyo-Kanagawa urban consumers.
• Neighbors Online Store Community-type online store (neighbors.foodandcompany.co.jp) selling curated producer items directly to consumers with detailed storytelling about food origins and producer backgrounds.
• Neighbors CLUB Subscription Program Recurring subscription box program delivering seasonal fresh seafood directly from partner fishermen on a 3-month cadence, with educational events on sustainable fishing practices.
• Neighbors Food Market Trade Fair Annual B2B trade fair event connecting small-scale Japanese food producers with retail buyers, foodservice operators, and press, co-organized with Hakuhodo Inc.
• Retail Business Consulting Services Advisory services leveraging in-house retail expertise to help partners develop food zone concepts, product selection, merchandise planning, and event/concept creation. Clients have included Eisei Shogai Nihonbashi, T-SITE Shonan, and JETRO's Nippon Gochiso Select program.
• Seasonal Fair Gift Boxes Limited-period seasonal gift box sets (Winter Fair, Summer Gift Fair, Spring Gift Fair) featuring curated premium items such as Christmas stollen, panettone, and seasonal cookie assortments, available in-store and online.

Quantifiable outcome

• Neighbors Food Market 2024: 34 producer brands, 800+ attendees over 2 days
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major, core and minor.

• 株式会社 有隣堂 (Eisei Shogai)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOOD&COMPANY served as the food zone concept creator, product selector, and MD planner for 誠品生活日本橋 (Eisei Shogai Nihonbashi), the Japan debut of Taiwan's renowned Eslite Bookstore chain at COREDO Muromachi Terrace in Tokyo in September 2019. The project fused Taiwanese traditional food ingredients with Japanese food culture in a first-of-its-kind retail space.
• 株式会社T-SITEflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOOD&COMPANY was commissioned by T-SITE to conceive, brand, and operationalize the monthly food marche 'SHONAN MARKETTA' at Shonan T-SITE. Responsibilities included overall concept development, logo design, naming, exhibitor recruitment, and ongoing operational support. The marche leverages Shonan area characteristics to serve the local community.
• 独立行政法人日本貿易振興機構 (JETRO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOOD&COMPANY participated in the JETRO / Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 'Nippon Gochiso Select' US test marketing project in San Francisco. The company assembled specialist teams in Japan and the US, curated approximately 40 products for export to the US, supported import/export logistics, and conducted test marketing at local US supermarkets, providing detailed feedback to each participating manufacturer.
• STUDIO DOUGHNUTScoreTechnology or IntegrationSTUDIO DOUGHNUTS is the recurring interior design partner for all FOOD&COMPANY store locations. Notable design elements include eggshell-based 'Egg Tile' for the Daikanyama store's register counter and uniquely shaped downlights throughout the space. STUDIO DOUGHNUTS has contributed to every store's distinctive interior design.
• 西原の花屋・ForagerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForager, a flower shop from Nishihara (西原), provides weekly seasonal floral arrangements for the display area in front of the register at the Gakugei-Daigaku and Daikanyama stores, contributing to the warm, community-oriented atmosphere FOOD&COMPANY cultivates.
• UMITO PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUMITO Partners is a sustainability-focused fisheries organization working toward the goal of maintaining delicious fish stocks 100 years into the future. They co-host渔師 (fisher) events with Neighbors CLUB to educate consumers about sustainable fishing practices, the realities of fishery work, and Japanese fisheries challenges.
• 株式会社博報堂 (Hakuhodo)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOOD&COMPANY and Hakuhodo co-operate the Neighbors Food Market trading fair, a B2B matchmaking event connecting small-scale Japanese food producers with retail buyers and foodservice operators. The 2025 edition is held at Spiral Hall in Aoyama, Tokyo, with approximately 50+ exhibitor brands.
• ててて商談会 (Tete-te Shoting Kai)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Neighbors Food Market 2024 was held concurrently with てげてて商談会 (a craft and design-oriented trading fair) at the adjacent Spiral Hall venue, cross-promoting to shared audiences of buyers and design/lifestyle professionals.
• Baghi's (イタリア)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBaghi's is an Italian manufacturer of traditional panettone, recognized at the GREAT TASTE AWARDS London 2016. FOOD&COMPANY has featured Baghi's panettone as a flagship item in its Winter Fair gift selections for multiple consecutive years, selling it both in-store and online.
• haluta (長野県軽井沢)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHaluta, based in Karuizawa, Nagano, produces organic Christmas stollen using traditional Danish recipes with local Nagano ingredients (stone-milled Shirane wheat, Red Fuji apples, organic walnuts, white figs, raisins). FOOD&COMPANY has featured haluta's stollen as a premium Winter Fair item for multiple years.
• きのね堂coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKininendo is a maker of seasonal Japanese cookies using domestically sourced, pesticide-free seasonal ingredients. FOOD&COMPANY has featured kininendo's winter cookie assortment as a recurring Winter Fair bestseller across multiple years.
• SANCHAI PEANUT BUTTER (ネパール)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSanchai produces peanut butter from peanuts grown in Nepal's Eastern mountain region at 1,800m altitude. Featured at FOOD&COMPANY Winter Fairs, including a limited-edition original cookie collaboration. Also listed as an exhibitor at Neighbors Food Market events.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AKOMEYA TOKYO: Specialty grocery and lifestyle concept store operated by AKOMEYA JAPAN, focused on rice, Japanese pantry staples, and curated household goods. Directly comparable on curated-Japanese-food positioning and store-as-experience design.
• Biople by CosmoKitchen: Organic, natural, and wellness-focused specialty grocery chain owned by Mitsuoka Trading. Overlaps directly with FOOD&COMPANY's organic/sustainable positioning and physical store format in urban Japan.
• Natural House: Organic and natural foods supermarket chain in Japan. Closely comparable to FOOD&COMPANY on the natural/organic product pillar of its F.L.O.S.S. criteria, though operates a more conventional supermarket format.
• Soup Stock Tokyo: Specialty soup and curated food retail chain with strong lifestyle branding and urban Tokyo footprint. Comparable as a design-driven specialty food retailer with a tightly curated assortment and premium positioning.
• Kaldi Coffee Farm: Japan's largest imported and specialty grocery chain, operating ~150+ stores focused on curated coffees, wines, and gourmet foods. Most directly comparable as a multi-format specialty food retailer serving the same urban Japanese consumer with curated, often imported/specialty SKUs.

Others

• Hakuhodo: One of Japan's largest advertising agencies, and the explicit co-organizer of Neighbors Food Market with FOOD&COMPANY. Relevant as a B2B partner/enabler for the company's event and consulting businesses rather than a direct retail competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Muji (Ryohin Keikaku): Lifestyle retail giant with grocery, household goods, and food offerings across Japan and globally. Comparable as a design-led, philosophy-driven retailer emphasizing simplicity and quality, though operates at vastly greater scale and breadth than FOOD&COMPANY.
• Queen's Isetan: Premium food hall concept operated by Isetan Mitsukoshi. Comparable as a curated, design-led urban food retail experience; broader incumbent with much larger parent and assortment.
• Afternoon Tea TEAROOM / TEALIFE: Lifestyle-restaurant and specialty food retail concept owned by SAISONAUTO. Overlaps with FOOD&COMPANY on the curated lifestyle/grocery experience format in urban Japan, but at much larger scale within the Saison Group.

Regional players

• Aoyama Farmers Market: Weekly curated producer-to-consumer farmers market held in Aoyama/Tokyo, connecting small-scale Japanese producers directly with urban shoppers. Comparable as a curated urban producer-discovery experience, though event-based rather than permanent retail.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FOODandCOMPANY
• Instagraminstagram.com/foodandcompany_grocery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Food & Company