Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) revealed its ambitious vision for a more nutritious and sustainable Philippines during the “Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow” media forum held last 20 September 2023 at the Shangri-La The Fort. The event, hosted by the multi-talented Iya Villania Arellano, marked APC’s 65th anniversary and shed light on the company’s commitment to advancing proper nutrition and sustainability among Filipinos for years to come.
Since its groundbreaking discovery of umami, the fifth basic taste, which led to the launch of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has evolved into the world’s leading manufacturer of amino acids, operating in 36 countries and regions worldwide. The company made its debut in the Philippines in 1958 and has since become an integral part of Filipino households, enhancing culinary experiences with products such as Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Crispy Fry® breading mix, and Sarsaya® oyster sauce. Leveraging its expertise in amino science, Ajinomoto has played a pivotal role in enabling hundreds of thousands of Filipinos to prepare flavorful and nutritious meals.
“Since the discovery of umami, the journey of Ajinomoto Group to contribute to the well-being of society has begun. The original aspiration captured with our corporate slogan ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ remains true to present times,” according to Koichi Ozaki, APC President.
Umami is one of the five basic tastes that humans can perceive, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It is often described as a savory or meaty taste and is characterized by a rich, full-bodied flavor. Umami is associated with the presence of glutamate, an amino acid that occurs naturally in certain foods.
One of the event’s highlights was “The Umami Experience,” where media guests had the opportunity to sample umami-rich foods, gaining a deeper appreciation for this unique taste compared to the four basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Addressing the nutrition challenges faced by the Philippines, keynote speaker Miss Eloisa Villaraza, President of the Nutritionist-Dieticians Association of the Philippines (NDAP), delivered a compelling message. This was followed by a fireside talk on the power of nutrition, featuring experts such as Dr. Jansen Calalan, a lifestyle medical doctor, Debbie Fajarda RND, a registered nutritionist-dietician and APC Nutrition Advancement Manager, Roann Co, APC General Manager for Corporate Planning and Public Relations, and renowned chef Sau del Rosario.
The sustainability segment commenced with a special message from Mr. Crispian Lao, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility. APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ernie Carlos, then outlined the company’s roadmap toward more eco-friendly practices.
Closing out the forum was a presentation by Madelin Dofiles, Head of APC’s Research and Development Department, highlighting the unique value of Ajinomoto’s technology in food ingredients and its contribution to the advancement of the food industry’s health and wellness as well as sustainable procurement.
Umami plays a significant role in enhancing the overall taste of dishes by imparting depth and complexity. In recent years, it has gained recognition as a fundamental taste alongside the traditional four tastes (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter), and it has been used as a flavor enhancer in various cuisines and food products. One of the most well-known sources of umami is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive that is used to intensify the savory taste in many dishes.
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has firmly established itself as a trusted partner in Filipino kitchens for 65 years. With innovative plans on the horizon to improve Filipinos’ health and nutrition and promote a healthier environment, APC is poised for even more incredible accomplishments in the years ahead.