Meiji Donates 200 Hazelnut Seedlings to Ueda City for Sustainable Future
On April 21, 2026, Meiji Co., Ltd. made a significant contribution by donating 200 hazelnut seedlings to Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture. The donation ceremony took place at Ueda City Hall, where Tatsuya Saito, the mayor of Ueda City, was presented with a certificate reflecting the donation.
Meiji has been crafting nut chocolate in Japan for over 50 years, priding itself on the quality of ingredients used. However, the company has historically relied on imported raw materials. The recent connection with local cultivators interested in growing hazelnuts has inspired Meiji to initiate this project, emphasizing the importance of cultivating high-quality raw materials domestically.
Nagano Prefecture boasts the ideal climate for hazelnuts, characterized by its cool temperatures and significant day-night temperature variations. Through this initiative, Meiji aims to collaborate with the local community to create value by delivering premium nut chocolates while enhancing the region's brand value and the inherent value of hazelnuts. Specifically, the seedlings will be planted at the upcoming tree-planting event scheduled for May this year, with Meiji actively participating alongside the community.
- Takayuki Koizawa, Vice Mayor
- Kazuhira Mizuhiro, Director of Maruko Regional Community Center
- Toshio Aizu, Head of the Ueda Regional Promotion Bureau
- Yurika Kato, Head of the Commerce and Tourism Department, Ueda Regional Promotion Bureau
- Koji Ishii, Chairperson of the Shinshu International Music Village Area Liaison Council
- Akio Minamimura, Vice Chairperson
- Kazuhiro Tsukahara, Representative of Minna no Koji-machi LLC
- Nobutaka Horii, General Manager of Meiji Kanto Sales Division
- Akira Yoshida, Head of Meiji Confectionery Marketing
- Tetsuro Masanori, Head of Snacks Marketing Group, Meiji
- Yamaichi Nagasaki, Head of Cocoa Group, Meiji Confectionery Development
1. Creation of New Agricultural Opportunities: Hazelnuts are a high-value crop with potential for becoming a new local specialty, promoting further industrialization of the region.
2. Collaboration with Tourism Resources: The development of a hazelnut forest can become a new tourist attraction, contributing to the creation of tourism content that emphasizes the area's hot springs and natural environment, thereby increasing local interaction.
3. Contribution to Environmental Preservation and Landscape Formation: The initiative promotes greening through planting, enhancing the landscape while contributing to sustainable community development.
4. Future Opportunities for Product Development Using Ueda Hazelnuts: Meiji is committed to enhancing the value and sustainability of hazelnuts as a crucial ingredient in nut chocolate. The company also envisions future product development utilizing locally-grown hazelnuts, contributing to both the regional brand value and the value of hazelnuts themselves. The aim is to deliver the hazelnuts cultivated with the community as new food value to customers.
This project reflects Meiji's commitment to donate hazelnut seedlings and nurture them together with the local community for future generations. The aim extends beyond simply handing over seedlings; instead, it focuses on collaboratively watching over the growth of the seedlings and participating in beautification and maintenance activities around the planting site. The goal is to enrich the community's environment while growing healthy hazelnut trees together with the corporation and the locals.
Background and Purpose of the Donation
Meiji has been crafting nut chocolate in Japan for over 50 years, priding itself on the quality of ingredients used. However, the company has historically relied on imported raw materials. The recent connection with local cultivators interested in growing hazelnuts has inspired Meiji to initiate this project, emphasizing the importance of cultivating high-quality raw materials domestically.
Nagano Prefecture boasts the ideal climate for hazelnuts, characterized by its cool temperatures and significant day-night temperature variations. Through this initiative, Meiji aims to collaborate with the local community to create value by delivering premium nut chocolates while enhancing the region's brand value and the inherent value of hazelnuts. Specifically, the seedlings will be planted at the upcoming tree-planting event scheduled for May this year, with Meiji actively participating alongside the community.
Overview of the Donation
- - Donor: Meiji Co., Ltd.
- - Recipient: Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
- - Contents of Donation: 200 hazelnut seedlings
- - Planned Planting Site: Around the Shinshu International Music Village
Ceremony Details
- - Date: April 21, 2026 (Tuesday)
- - Venue: Ueda City Hall, 4th Floor, Main Building, First Conference Room
- - Attendees:
- Takayuki Koizawa, Vice Mayor
- Kazuhira Mizuhiro, Director of Maruko Regional Community Center
- Toshio Aizu, Head of the Ueda Regional Promotion Bureau
- Yurika Kato, Head of the Commerce and Tourism Department, Ueda Regional Promotion Bureau
- Koji Ishii, Chairperson of the Shinshu International Music Village Area Liaison Council
- Akio Minamimura, Vice Chairperson
- Kazuhiro Tsukahara, Representative of Minna no Koji-machi LLC
- Nobutaka Horii, General Manager of Meiji Kanto Sales Division
- Akira Yoshida, Head of Meiji Confectionery Marketing
- Tetsuro Masanori, Head of Snacks Marketing Group, Meiji
- Yamaichi Nagasaki, Head of Cocoa Group, Meiji Confectionery Development
Expected Outcomes
1. Creation of New Agricultural Opportunities: Hazelnuts are a high-value crop with potential for becoming a new local specialty, promoting further industrialization of the region.
2. Collaboration with Tourism Resources: The development of a hazelnut forest can become a new tourist attraction, contributing to the creation of tourism content that emphasizes the area's hot springs and natural environment, thereby increasing local interaction.
3. Contribution to Environmental Preservation and Landscape Formation: The initiative promotes greening through planting, enhancing the landscape while contributing to sustainable community development.
4. Future Opportunities for Product Development Using Ueda Hazelnuts: Meiji is committed to enhancing the value and sustainability of hazelnuts as a crucial ingredient in nut chocolate. The company also envisions future product development utilizing locally-grown hazelnuts, contributing to both the regional brand value and the value of hazelnuts themselves. The aim is to deliver the hazelnuts cultivated with the community as new food value to customers.
About the Hazelnut Forest Project
This project reflects Meiji's commitment to donate hazelnut seedlings and nurture them together with the local community for future generations. The aim extends beyond simply handing over seedlings; instead, it focuses on collaboratively watching over the growth of the seedlings and participating in beautification and maintenance activities around the planting site. The goal is to enrich the community's environment while growing healthy hazelnut trees together with the corporation and the locals.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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