Kuradashi Expands Business with Acquisition of L'atelier de SHIORI Online
In a significant move towards social responsibility and innovation in food consumption, Kuradashi, a Tokyo-based company known for its mission to reduce food waste, has announced the acquisition of L'atelier de SHIORI Online, an online cooking school focused on creating accessible and delicious recipes. This acquisition is expected to enhance Kuradashi's existing services and further its goal of reducing food waste in Japan.
About the Acquisition
On June 27, 2025, Kuradashi officially acquired 100% of the shares of L'atelier de SHIORI, which has been gaining popularity for its emphasis on creating culinary experiences that are both enjoyable and sustainable. Kuradashi's mission is to continue being a social good company while aiming to be the leading entity in food waste reduction. This acquisition aligns perfectly with their vision of utilizing innovative business practices to address social issues, particularly within the food industry.
Kuradashi's Mission and Achievements
Founded in 2014, Kuradashi operates a platform that sells food products that would otherwise go to waste, offering consumers the chance to support sustainability efforts while obtaining quality products at a discount. Over the past decade, their e-commerce platform has held steady, serving more than 590,000 members and partnering with roughly 2,000 companies, achieving a cumulative social support amount exceeding 1.6 billion yen, which has notably contributed to the reduction of about 30,000 tons of food waste. However, the challenge remains severe with Japan generating around 4.64 million tons of food waste annually.
The Role of L'atelier de SHIORI Online
L'atelier de SHIORI Online has positioned itself as a premier cooking class platform under the guidance of chef SHIORI. Since its inception, the online school has attracted over 7,000 members, spreading the joy of cooking through easy-to-follow recipes that prioritize taste and reproducibility. This integration offers the potential for a more profound impact on community behaviors towards food consumption. By educating members on the impact of food waste and promoting sustainable cooking practices, Kuradashi aims to drive a cultural shift in how food is viewed in households across Japan.
Future Plans and Vision
The partnership is designed to fuse Kuradashi’s knowledge in e-commerce and branding with L'atelier de SHIORI's grassroots marketing expertise. This strategic alignment is critical for not only advancing Kuradashi’s growth strategy but also creating meaningful changes in consumer behavior regarding food waste and sustainability. The next phase includes the launch of a renewed service under the name ‘La Table de SHIORI Online’ in July 2025, focusing even more on practical and enjoyable cooking solutions for everyday families.
Moreover, as both companies aim to foster environmental awareness, they emphasize the importance of collective efforts in tackling food waste—a mission that aligns closely with Kuradashi’s business ethos.
What Lies Ahead
As both Kuradashi and L'atelier de SHIORI Online navigate this new chapter, the focus remains on building a supportive community for culinary enthusiasts while addressing significant environmental issues. SHIORI herself has expressed enthusiasm regarding the potential for this alliance, highlighting the powerful role that cooking can play in building confidence and self-affirmation among individuals.
By leveraging food education as a portal to broader discussions on sustainability, the collaboration opens avenues for ongoing social contributions through cooking—a delightful endeavor that not only feeds the body but nurtures the planet.
Together, Kuradashi and L'atelier de SHIORI aim to bring forth a renewed sense of community engagement while promoting sustainable practices in daily life, making strides towards a greener and more responsible future. Their shared vision is to continue evolving as a responsible entity that intertwines culinary joy with social good, ultimately seeking to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.