Nishimoto Wismettac Group

What Nishimoto Wismettac Group does

Nishimoto Wismettac Group is a Kobe-founded Japanese food trading and distribution conglomerate, incorporated in 1947 and tracing its origins to 1912. The group operates across three business segments: Asian Food Global Business (exporting Japanese and Asian food products to Japanese restaurants and supermarkets in 30+ countries via the SHIRAKIKU private brand, registered in 1921, with 6,000+ items sold in the US), Agricultural Products Trading (import/export of fresh and frozen produce including Sunkist citrus, where Wismettac has been the exclusive Japanese import agent since 1968), and Amenity Business (imported branded foods, seasonal products, character licensing, supplements under the NATUMEDICA brand, and chocolate retail via Chocolat Trouver). Its core distribution infrastructure includes 44 locations across 14+ countries, 25 subsidiaries and 3 affiliates, 2,247 employees, and an owned North American logistics fleet of 150+ trucks operated through Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.

The company's technology platform is anchored in supply chain and private brand development rather than software. Core proprietary assets include the SHIRAKIKU brand platform, an integrated cold chain and trucking operation, and food safety and traceability systems. Recent technical moves include TRAILIX, a joint venture applying high-density planting with autonomous steering tractors to Japanese apple production (the first Hokkaido fruit-tree producer certified under Japan's Smart Agriculture Technology Utilization Promotion Act, targeting 50% labor productivity gains), and a Medical Food Platform developed with Doctors Inc. that combines food products with digital health applications. Management includes a Chief Digital Officer, signaling incremental digital emphasis, though the core business remains physical-goods distribution.

Wismettac monetizes primarily through B2B wholesale transaction-fee revenue across its three segments, supplemented by direct-to-consumer e-commerce (p3pocket) and physical retail (Chocolat Trouver flagship in Omotesando, plus an upcoming Isetan Shinjuku department store café opening July 2026). Customer segments span Japanese restaurants, supermarkets, food manufacturers, and wholesale markets globally, with pricing based on volume contracts and commodity specifications. The company completed an IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section in September 2017, then delisted in April 2025 following a management buyout led by Y.S. Shoji Co., Ltd. FY2025 consolidated revenue was ¥331,579 million (~$2.2B at ~150 JPY/USD), up from ¥213,248 million in FY2021, against a mid-term target of ¥500 billion by 2026 with ¥25 billion operating profit.

Name

Nishimoto Wismettac Group

Legal name

西本Wismettacホールディングス株式会社

Website

https://wismettac.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Nishimoto Wismettac Group is a Japanese food trading and distribution conglomerate (founded 1912) operating through three segments — Asian Food Global exports, Agri produce trading, and Amenity imports — serving Japanese restaurants, supermarkets, and food manufacturers across 30+ countries under the SHIRAKIKU brand, with 44 global locations and 2,247 employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Distribution and Wholesale Trading

NAICS

Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers (4244), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers (424480), Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (424460)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products (5140)

akta.pro primary industry

Ethnic & International Foods Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAAAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Import/Export & Cross-Border Food Commodity Trading (AFAIAKAL), National/Multiregional Broadline Foodservice Distributors (AFAIAAAA), Import/Export Broadline Foodservice Distributors (AFAIAAAH)

Keywords

• Asian food distribution
• Food wholesale trading
• Private label food brands
• Agricultural produce import
• Japanese food export

Headquarters

HQ city

Muromachi

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Asian Food Global Business: Sales of Asian/Japanese food products to overseas Japanese restaurants and supermarkets. Includes private brand SHIRAKIKU products. Revenue from 30+ export countries with near-doubling of sales over past 5 years.
2. Agri Business (Import): Import and distribution of fresh and frozen produce globally. As Sunkist Growers' exclusive Japanese import agent, handles citrus fruits and tropical fruits for domestic wholesale markets, food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants.
3. Amenity Business: Import of overseas branded foods, seasonal event products (Halloween, Christmas), character licensing merchandise, and supplement/health product sales including NATUMEDICA brand.
4. Export of Japanese Agricultural Products: Export of high-value-added Japanese produce to Asia and other markets. Includes Japanese apple brands like SUGOI, with export focused on overseas markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nishimoto Wismettac Group is a B2B food trader and wholesaler that imports, exports, and distributes Japanese and Asian food products through three business segments: Asian Food Global Business (exporting to 30+ countries with the SHIRAKIKU private brand of 6,000+ items), Agricultural Products Trading Business (fresh and frozen produce including Sunkist citrus), and Amenity Business (imported branded foods, supplements, and seasonal products). The company operates proprietary logistics with 150+ owned trucks in North America and 44 locations across 14+ countries.

Product overview

Nishimoto Wismettac Group operates as a diversified food trading conglomerate with three core business segments: Asian Food Global Business (exporting Japanese/Asian foods to 30+ countries with private brand SHIRAKIKU), Agricultural Products Trading Business (import/export of fresh and frozen produce including Sunkist citrus), and Amenity Business (import of foreign brand foods, seasonal products, supplements, and chocolate retail through Chocolat Trouver). The group comprises subsidiaries including Wismettac Foods, TRAILIX (agricultural production), and international offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The company delisted from Tokyo Stock Exchange in April 2025 following an MBO.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SHIRAKIKU: Private brand for Asian/Japanese food products, registered in 1921. One of the leading Japanese food brands in North America with approximately 6,000+ items sold.
• Chocolat Trouver
• P3 (P3 Pocket)
• NATUMEDICA
• SUGOI
• WisChef
• 食卓の名医 (Shokutaku no Meii)
• もぐふる

Products and services

• Asian Food Global Business Core business segment exporting Japanese and Asian food products to over 30 countries, serving Japanese restaurants and supermarkets worldwide with approximately 6,000+ items including the SHIRAKIKU private brand.
• Agricultural Products Trading Business Imports and exports fresh and frozen agricultural products including citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and berries. Serves domestic wholesale markets, food manufacturers, retailers, and food service companies. Includes Sunkist exclusive Japanese import agency.
• Amenity Business Imports foreign branded foods, develops seasonal event products (Halloween, Christmas), licenses character-based products, and operates supplement business with original brand products including NATUMEDICA.
• SHIRAKIKU Private Brand Self-owned private brand registered in 1921, recognized as one of the leading Japanese food brands in North America. Includes 6,000+ items of Japanese and Asian food products sold throughout the United States and other overseas markets.
• Chocolat Trouver Chocolate select shop brand featuring globally sourced premium chocolate brands including CENTHO, BARU, GOODIO, and Bruyerre. Flagship store in Omotesando, Tokyo, with expansion to Isetan Shinjuku department store.
• NATUMEDICA Supplements Natural supplement brand developed under medical guidance, adopted by medical institutions. Manufactured at domestic GMP-certified factories, focusing on preventive medicine.
• p3pocket E-commerce Consumer-facing e-commerce platform for imported specialty foods and health products, selling directly to individual consumers.
• Wismettac Foods Fresh Produce Fresh produce line including Sunkist citrus (lemons, navel oranges, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, mineolas), tropical fruits, and bananas sourced from Taiwan, supplied to domestic food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants.
• Wismettac Foods Frozen Products Frozen fruits including strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes, along with frozen vegetables. Supplies domestic food manufacturers and restaurant chains with consistent quality ingredients.
• SUGOI Premium Apple Exports Brand name for premium Japanese apple exports to Southeast Asia and other overseas markets. Won the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister's Award in 2019.

Quantifiable outcome

• Revenue increased from ¥213 billion (2021) to ¥331 billion (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, growth and minor.

• 株式会社LEMONITY (with 株式会社鈴生, ポッカサッポロフード&ビバレッジ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2025Agricultural company for domestic lemon production promotion established September 2025. Capital: ¥100 million. Partners: Wismettac, Suzuki (agricultural company), Pokka Sapporo (beverage company). Starting with 10ha, targeting 100ha in 10 years. Focus on domestic lemon procurement strengthening and sustainable production model.
• Mexican food wholesale companygrowthChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 August 2025Stock acquisition of Mexican food wholesale company by consolidated subsidiary, expanding food distribution presence in Mexico.
• TRAILIX株式会社 (with ノルデックス株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2025Joint venture agricultural company established May 2025 for Japanese apple production in Hokkaido. Wismettac holds 90% stake, Nordex 10%. Aims to produce apples using high-density planting and autonomous tractors, targeting 260t yield from 4ha initially, expanding to 1,000ha for export markets. First smart agriculture certification for fruit tree producers in Hokkaido.
• エーザイ株式会社growthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2025Partnership for cognitive function improvement and dementia risk reduction through public nutrition. Wismettac Foods developing 'Brain Health 7-meal set' based on Eisai's guidelines for cognitive function risk reduction, under supervision of National Center for Geriatric Medicine.
• 株式会社奈良・グローバル・オーシャン・ワークス株式会社minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 December 2024Business partnership for undisclosed strategic collaboration in consolidated subsidiary.
• 株式会社ヨンキュウminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Capital and business partnership for undisclosed strategic collaboration.
• The Consumer Goods Forum - Sustainable Kitchen ProjectgrowthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2024Supporting CGF's Sustainable Kitchen project - online hub providing recipes for food waste reduction and healthier eating. Wismettac provides recipes and supports the initiative as part of sustainability activities.
• The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF)growthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2024Joined CGF in June 2024 - global industry organization for consumer goods retailers and manufacturers (~400 companies from 70+ countries). Participates in sustainability, food safety, health & wellness initiatives. Supports Sustainable Kitchen project for food waste reduction.
• Uniontrade S.p.A. and Uni Logistic S.r.l. (Italy)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 June 2023Italian food trading and logistics company acquired as 100% subsidiary through Wismettac Harro Foods Limited. Expands European presence and food distribution network.
• ドクターズ株式会社growthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2023Strategic partnership for Medical Food Platform development combining Wismettac's food expertise with Doctors' digital health platform (Doctors Station DX). Aims to create healthcare services linking food products with medical apps for disease treatment, care, and health maintenance. Wismettac provides food product development and distribution capabilities.
• Ban Choon Marketing Pte. Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 November 2021Singapore-based food wholesale company acquired as 100% subsidiary through NTC Wismettac Singapore Pte Ltd. Part of Asian market expansion strategy.
• Sco-Fro Group Limited (UK/Scotland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2021UK/Scotland-based food trading company acquired through Wismettac Harro Foods Limited. Interlock Investments Limited subsidiary. Expands UK and European distribution network.
• COMPTOIRS DES 3 CAPS SAS (France)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 May 2020French seafood import wholesale company acquired through NTC Wismettac Europe B.V. Includes subsidiaries Comptoirs Oceaniques and Tropic Fish. Strengthens European seafood business.
• SSP Konsumgüter TRADE & CONSULT GmbH (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 February 2017German Japanese food import wholesale company with 20% equity stake acquired through NTC Wismettac Europe B.V. Strategic partnership for European Asian food market.
• Wismettac Harro Foods Ltd. (UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016UK-based food trading company acquired by NTC Wismettac Europe B.V. as 100% subsidiary. Key platform for UK and European Asian food market expansion.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Mitsui & Co. Japanese trading conglomerate with extensive food and agri-business operations including overseas food distribution. Comparable in cross-border food trading and broad portfolio of Asian food exports.
• Performance Food Group: Large US foodservice distributor with broad product portfolio including specialty and ethnic categories. Comparable as a B2B foodservice distributor with owned logistics infrastructure.
• ITOCHU Corporation: Japanese sogo shosha with a food segment (including Dole Food Company stake) and significant overseas food distribution. Comparable as a large Japanese trading company with global food import/export activities.
• United Natural Foods: Largest natural and conventional grocery wholesaler in North America. Comparable as a broadline food distributor to retailers and specialty/specialty-ethnic channels.
• Marubeni Corporation: Major Japanese trading house (sogo shosha) with a sizable food and agricultural products division globally. Comparable as a diversified Japanese food importer/exporter and wholesaler with global distribution scale.
• Sysco Corporation: Largest broadline foodservice distributor in North America with owned logistics. Comparable in B2B food distribution to foodservice operators, though Sysco's scale and cuisine focus differ.

Others

• Sunkist Growers: Long-time exclusive Japanese import agency partner of Nishimoto Wismettac. Comparable as a citrus supplier/partner with overlap in fresh produce distribution economics, though Sunkist is a grower cooperative.

Direct peers

• Tazaki Foods: UK-based Japanese and Asian food importer/distributor serving restaurants and retailers across Europe. Direct peer in European Japanese food wholesale market.
• Mutual Trading Co. Japanese-founded food importer/distributor specializing in Asian ingredients for restaurants and retailers, particularly in North America. Direct peer in Japanese ethnic food wholesale distribution.
• JFC International (Kikkoman Group): Direct US-based Japanese food importer and distributor serving restaurants, retailers, and foodservice. Closely comparable to Wismettac Asian Foods as a Japanese-ethnic B2B food distributor in North America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments1 record

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

Frequently asked questions about Nishimoto Wismettac Group