#United States #New York #Benton #Japanese Cuisine #Oisix

Oisix Group's Expansion into the U.S. B2B Market

Oisix Group, a prominent Japanese food subscription service provider, has recently decided to enter the U.S. market by acquiring the Japanese cuisine business of BentOn, a company based in New York. This strategic move not only marks Oisix's first venture into the American B2B sector but also strengthens its presence in the food service industry.

Founded in Tokyo, Oisix provides a variety of services including delivery of safe and high-quality agricultural products and meal kits through well-known brands like Oisix, Radish Boya, and Daichi wo mamoru kai. The company has been expanding its business horizons and aims to widen its reach in the B2B segment as well, especially after its acquisition of Shidax's food service business, positioning itself well in the U.S. market.

The deal with BentOn is set to be finalized in June 2026, with Oisix Inc., a subsidiary focusing on investments in the U.S., establishing a 100% owned company to manage this new venture. This marks a significant step for Oisix as it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for authentic Japanese food in North America.

Rising Demand for Japanese Cuisine in North America

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the number of Japanese restaurants in North America is projected to reach approximately 29,400 by 2025, a considerable increase from about 17,000 in 2013. This surge in interest is primarily driven by the rising health consciousness among consumers. BentOn has established itself as a leading provider of healthy and nutritionally-balanced Japanese bento and side dishes in New York, catering to the culinary needs of various sports teams and businesses.

BentOn is recognized for blending traditional Japanese flavors with modern dietary preferences, thus creating a unique dining experience. The collaboration between Oisix and BentOn has been robust, with past projects including the launch of collaborative meal kits that were simultaneously sold in both Japan and the U.S. This existing relationship sets a solid foundation for the acquisition and future collaboration.

Objectives Behind the Acquisition

The primary objectives of this acquisition include:
1. Building a B2B Business Foundation in the U.S.: By partnering with BentOn, Oisix plans to create a comprehensive "Japanese Food Provision Platform" that covers everything from production to supply, thereby facilitating its entry into the American B2B Japanese food market.

2. Maximizing Group Synergy: The partnership will allow Oisix to combine BentOn's manufacturing expertise with its experience in developing high-value products, ultimately offering a high-quality meal service tailored to market needs. Furthermore, by utilizing its logistics capabilities, Oisix aims to establish a stable revenue base in North America.

Future Plans and Timeline

The timeline for this acquisition includes several key dates:

• - Board of Directors Resolution (Oisix Inc.): April 14, 2026
• - Business Transfer Agreement Signing: May 2026 (tentative)
• - Business Transfer Date: June 2026 (tentative)

About Oisix Group

Oisix Group is committed to addressing social issues related to food through sustainable retail practices and the subscription model, ensuring minimal food waste from farm to table. They also offer various services aimed at providing nutritious meal solutions to various sectors including schools, hospitals, and persons with difficulties in grocery shopping. The upcoming acquisition of BentOn represents an important milestone in Oisix's growth strategy as it continues to innovate within the international food landscape.

In conclusion, the acquisition of BentOn not only highlights Oisix's ambitious growth objectives but also reflects a larger trend of increasing interest and demand for Japanese cuisine in the U.S. With strong projections for Japanese restaurants in North America and the establishment of a dedicated platform for B2B services, Oisix is well-positioned for success in this new market.