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Kewpie's New Initiative Against Food Waste

In an innovative move aimed at reducing food waste and enhancing logistics efficiency, Kewpie Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is transitioning the expiry date format of their popular mayonnaise to a year-month display. This initiative is set to begin in December 2024 for selected product volumes and will expand to additional items in July 2025.

What Changes Are Being Made?

Kewpie has listed several products that will now feature an updated expiration date format, moving from the traditional day-month-year to the simpler year-month display. The products included in this change are as follows:

• - Kewpie Mayonnaise 50g
• - Kewpie Mayonnaise 130g
• - Kewpie Mayonnaise 200g
• - Kewpie Mayonnaise (Bottle)
• - Kewpie Mayonnaise with Tom and Jerry (Bottle)
• - Kewpie Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise

In addition to the format change, Kewpie is also extending the shelf life for five of these products, increasing the duration from 12 months to 13 months, while the Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise will see an increase from 10 months to 13 months. This transition aims to align with Kewpie's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in food production.

The Impact on Food Waste

According to estimates, approximately 4.72 million tons of food waste occurs annually in Japan. Kewpie's initiative is a part of a broader strategy to combat this significant issue. The company previously initiated the date format change for two of its major products (450g and 350g) back in December 2024, marking the first phase of this sustainability drive. The current expansion reflects Kewpie's ongoing commitment to reducing food loss through thoughtful product management and greater consumer awareness about product freshness.

Challenges and Quality Assurance

Before announcing the shelf-life extension and the new labeling system, Kewpie undertook rigorous storage tests to ensure product quality is maintained. This thorough testing process is crucial to confirm that customers enjoy the same high standard associated with Kewpie mayonnaise. The company emphasizes that while extending shelf life can reduce food waste, it is equally important that consumers trust the products they purchase.

The new labeling initiative reflects a growing trend within the food industry to prioritize sustainability alongside consumer convenience. As manufacturers recognize the environmental impact of food waste, alterations in labeling and storage practices become essential components of corporate responsibility.

Kewpie's Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Kewpie Corporation has pledged to continue advocating for sustainable practices in the food industry. This includes a focus not only on reducing food waste but also on developing innovative solutions that benefit both consumers and the environment. In compliance with Japanese government efforts to combat food loss, Kewpie's developments signify a proactive approach to navigating the complex challenges of food sustainability.

For further details on Kewpie’s sustainability initiatives and their dedication to waste reduction, please visit their Sustainability page. The introduction of this updated product labeling aligns with Kewpie's mission to foster a healthier balance between consumer needs and environmental stewardship.

Summary of the Changes

• - Products Transitioning: Kewpie Mayonnaise 50g, 130g, 200g, bottled variants, and Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise.
• - Expiry Date Format Change: From day-month-year to year-month.
• - Shelf Life Extension: Increased for five products from 12 to 13 months; Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise extended from 10 to 13 months.
• - Scheduled Launch: Products will begin shipments from July 2025 onwards.