#Japan #Osaka #Hokkaido Wheat #Oda Flour Mill #Kitazou Series

Introducing 'Haru to Aki ga Kitazou'

Oda Flour Mill Co., Ltd. is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest product, "Haru to Aki ga Kitazou". This innovative flour blend features three iconic varieties of Hokkaido wheat: “Haru yo Koi,” “Kita Honami,” and “Yume Chikara.” As the third entry in the Kitazou Series, this release showcases the rich flavors and exceptional baking qualities unique to domestic wheat, aiming to expand its use in the bakery sector and beyond.

Background of Development

In recent years, the importance of food security has brought domestic agricultural products into the spotlight. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been promoting the utilization of domestic wheat, yet the current self-sufficiency rate for food-use wheat hovers around 15%. Consequently, the industry is grappling with the challenges posed by rising prices of imported wheat amid heightened global tensions and supply risks.

Hokkaido wheat, noted for its superior baking qualities and distinctive flavors, has garnered high praise in the bakery industry. This demand has spurred the growth of high-value products incorporating domestically sourced wheat. Oda Flour Mill has previously launched two successful products in the Kitazou series: "Haru ga Kitazou" featuring “Haru yo Koi” and “Kita Honami,” and "Aki ga Kitazou" using “Yume Chikara” and “Kita Honami.” Both products were well-received, esteemed for their flavor and usability.

Product Characteristics of 'Haru to Aki ga Kitazou'

The newly released "Haru to Aki ga Kitazou" blends the unique attributes of Hokkaido’s flagship wheat varieties. The result is a flour that harmonizes the rich flavor of “Haru yo Koi,” the exceptional gluten strength of “Yume Chikara,” and the appropriate extensibility of “Kita Honami.” This combination lends itself to creating consistently high-quality dough, enriched with sweetness, toasted aromas, and a mildly chewy texture.

This flour is not just versatile; it is perfect for a wide range of baked goods and applications, including bread, croissants, and various secondary processing products. Even in Chinese noodles, it offers a balanced elasticity and firmness, remaining resilient without losing its ideal texture over time. Its quality rivals that of products made with imported wheat, enabling diverse product development across bread and noodles alike.

Continuing the Kitazou Series

The Kitazou series began in January 2022, with the introduction of the first product utilizing Hokkaido’s “Haru yo Koi.” This was followed in October 2023 by the launch of the autumn variant, "Aki ga Kitazou," which featured “Yume Chikara.” Both products have been instrumental in harnessing the unique properties of Hokkaido wheat and showcasing the possibilities of blended products. With the launch of "Haru to Aki ga Kitazou," Oda Flour Mill aims to continue exploring the potential of Hokkaido wheat, producing offerings that are balanced in flavor, texture, and functionality.

Company Overview

Oda Flour Mill Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters/Factory: 2767-68 Shirou, Kojima City, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 711-0934, Japan
• - Phone: 086-475-2211
• - Fax: 086-475-2213
• - Tokyo Sales Office: 1-9-36 Konan, Minato City, Tokyo, 108-0075, Japan
• - Phone: 03-4446-5259
• - Osaka Sales Office: 2-6-10 Esaka-cho, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 564-0063, Japan
• - Fukuyama Sales Office: 3-3-32-1 Minamiteijou-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 721-0963, Japan
• - Website: Oda Flour Mill

With a commitment to excellence, Oda Flour Mill continues to innovate and support the local agricultural community through their high-quality wheat products.