#Japan #Tokyo #Ariake Japan #Amumu #Takami Maki

Ariake Japan Launches New Frozen Baby Food 'Amumu' for Working Families

Ariake Japan Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of natural seasonings across seven countries, has officially launched a new product called 'Amumu' in December 2024. This frozen baby food aims to support families with working parents, providing balanced nutrition with ingredients that are easy to prepare and contain no additives or flavor enhancers.

A Helping Hand for Working Parents

On December 7, 2024, Ariake Japan hosted a tasting event for 'Amumu' at their company headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo. Many families with children were invited to sample the product. Additionally, representatives from trading companies, retail, childcare-related businesses, and media were present to witness the joy of children enjoying the food.

This release marks a significant milestone for Ariake, as it's the first product specifically tailored for children. The unique aspect of 'Amumu' is its emphasis on the natural umami flavor derived from fresh ingredients, setting it apart from existing frozen baby foods in the market.

Development of 'Amumu'

The idea for 'Amumu' was born out of a desire to utilize Ariake's extensive expertise in producing natural seasonings for social contribution. During this process, they met Takami Maki, a food creator known for her additive-free frozen baby food, 'mom’s.' Takami expressed her wish to assist parents who feel isolated in their childcare journey. She focuses on using abundant fresh local ingredients from the Setouchi region and prepares everything by hand, ensuring a personal touch.

Takami visited Ariake’s Kyushu factory to collaborate on 'Amumu,' paying keen attention not just to flavor but also to texture that promotes chewing skills in young children. She believes that early childhood is a critical period for taste development, and children should enjoy the natural flavors of ingredients rather than strong seasonings. Her dedication led to the creation of over 600 diversified menu items, enhancing both the nutritional value and enjoyment.

Taste That Impresses Parents

The 'Amumu' baby food can be prepared easily by simply heating it in hot water or a microwave. After approximately two years of meticulous trials and improvements, the product has reached its final form. It is designed to reflect feedback from current parents, delivering a deep flavor profile that even adults find delicious.

In a modern society facing low birth rates, support for working parents is more crucial than ever. According to a 2023 report, over 12.78 million households in Japan are dual-income, making up more than 70% of families. As young workers become increasingly keen to balance work and family, government initiatives like the forthcoming 'Birth Leave Support Benefits' set to launch in April 2025 aim to aid fathers in their parenting roles. Ariake Japan is committed to easing the burden of meal preparation for these families through 'Amumu.'

Product Features of 'Amumu'

The 'Amumu' product line is designed with young children in mind, featuring:

• - Eight different types of domestically sourced vegetables in each serving
• - Convenient preparation in three minutes using a microwave or hot water
• - Completely free from flavor enhancers, colorings, and fragrances for safety
• - Sizes and textures tailored to help develop chewing skills in children
• - Rich flavors from the natural umami and vegetables, ensuring a tasty experience
• - Nutritionally balanced meals catering to a variety of culinary styles including Japanese, Western, and Chinese

The logo design for 'Amumu' is created by Ichiro Yamaguchi, a well-known artist from Takamatsu, who envisioned the concept of 'creating a future with every bite.'

Conclusion

By reducing the labor involved in meal preparation, 'Amumu' helps families enjoy more time together. The products not only cater to the nutritional needs of children but also allow parents to relax and foster joyful interactions with their children during mealtime. Embracing the future of family dining, 'Amumu' represents a significant step towards supporting working parents in Japan. More details about the product are available on their official website: Amumu Official Site.