#Japan #Tokyo #Kanesco #Bobea #Shikishima

Kanesco's Initiative on Methane Reduction in Beef Production

In an innovative move towards sustainability, Kanesco Corporation has introduced a unique roast beef bento made from environmentally conscious beef at their headquarters café, "Café THE PERCH." Available for a limited time, this beef comes from Shikishima Farm's premium Shiraoi Wagyu, produced through a groundbreaking methane reduction initiative using a feed additive called Bobea®. This initiative, a collaboration between Kanesco, Shikishima Farm, and dsm-firmenich, marks the world’s first successful implementation of this methane-reducing feed for black-haired Wagyu cattle.

A Step Towards Sustainability

The environmental beef served in this café aims not only to tantalize taste buds but to bring consumer attention to the global challenge of methane emissions from cattle. Methane from the digestive systems of ruminants like cows is a significant greenhouse gas contributor, ranking as the second-largest source of methane emissions in Japan after rice cultivation. Therefore, by introducing this environmentally friendly option, Kanesco hopes to gather consumer feedback via surveys at the café, thereby assessing public interest in sustainable food sources, pricing acceptance, and creating awareness about their environmental values.

Understanding Carbon Insetting

Kanesco’s initiative is part of a larger effort towards carbon insetting—a method where greenhouse gas emissions reductions or removals within a supply chain are utilized to offset emissions from the same chain. By integrating sustainable approaches in their supply chain, such as those for rice, coffee, and pork, Kanesco remains committed to promoting carbon insetting practices. Their goal is to contribute actively to the reduction of Scope 3 emissions throughout the supply chain, enhancing traceability and ensuring a stable supply of safe and secure food.

Furthermore, in September 2025, Kanesco plans to further expand its carbon insetting initiatives by participating in the "Insetting Consortium," hosted by the agriculture and forestry Central Cooperative Bank.

Tackling Environmental Issues in Livestock Farming

The production of methane through ruminant belching poses a significant environmental challenge in livestock farming. According to research conducted by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), this methane is a prevalent issue in Japan’s agriculture and contributes to about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there have been recent developments, such as the new methodological approval for using feed additives in cattle, which is anticipated to become more prevalent post-February 2026.

Café THE PERCH Experience

Located within Kanesco’s Tokyo headquarters, Café THE PERCH is managed by WORKING FOODIE, a company dedicated to enhancing communication through food within corporate environments. They specialize in creating customized café experiences for businesses, providing warm meals and a pleasant atmosphere that reflects corporate concepts. The café promotes menu designs that encourage communication and plans various internal events, thus contributing to a robust workplace culture through culinary experiences.

For further inquiries regarding collaborations, contact:

• - Kanesco GX Business Promotion Office: [email protected]
• - Press Release Inquiries: Kanesco Public Relations Office | Phone: 03-6747-5000

Explore more about WORKING FOODIE here.