Notable fast-moving consumer goods firm known for its ‘umami’ offerings, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group), revealed that they are geared toward reducing their environmental footprint by 50 percent and expanding the life expectancy of 1 billion people by 2030.

In a press conference on Monday at the Shangri-La Makati, APC Group President Koichi Ozaki said the company is steadfast in its commitment to the sustainability project dubbed Ajinomoto Shared Value (ASV).

"Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation recognizes the responsibility of how we impact the environment. Our ASV signifies our role is beyond providing Filipinos with key products that enhance taste in our food—it highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship" shared Ozaki.

 In his keynote speech, APC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos highlighted the company's key sustainability initiatives, showcasing the significant progress made since their activation. Through its partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions, the electricity requirements of APC factories—APF Bulacan and APF Cebu—are now being powered by 100 percent renewable energy, significantly lowering their Scope 2 carbon emissions, which prevents around 5,000MT CO2 emissions per year.

In collaboration with FAST Logistics and MOBER Philippines, APC Group is making strides in green logistics with one 100 percent electric tractor head with a 40-foot container van for warehouse transfers and a 100 percent electric 4-wheeler van for product deliveries.

Beyond renewable energy, Ozaki said APC Group is actively addressing food loss and industrial waste, which includes donating edible food waste to the food advocacy group Scholars of Sustenance, upcycling residual food waste into animal feed, transitioning to sustainable packaging, and repurposing single-use plastics through the SariCycle® program.

Double-digit growth

Meanwhile, Ozaki said APC Group sustained double-digit growth this year but did not divulge the numbers.

“We are constantly having more than double-digit growth, even if the food industry is not stable in the past year. It’s up and down. Fortunately, we manage to sustain growth. Most of this growth is because of our seasoning products, instant noodles and soups, as well as food service and the recently launched frozen food business, like frozen karaage and gyoza,” Ozaki told reporters.

 He said they are considering increasing capacity by erecting another manufacturing plant in the country, which is being studied for three to five years.

To date, APC Group has more than 2,000 Filipino workers, a big help in producing more than 90 percent of the products that APC is selling in the Philippines.

In terms of market size, Ozaki said the Philippines belongs to the top five markets in the ASEAN region, which is now dominated by Thailand.