Marukome marks opening of California plant

LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) Marukome Co., a producer of miso, or fermented soybean paste, held a dedication ceremony Wednesday for its new factory in Irvine, Calif., the company's first production base abroad.

Marukome Co. President Tokio Aoki (left) and other company employees celebrate the opening of its new factory in Irvine, Calif., on Wednesday. KYODO PHOTO

"I am pleased to be able to contribute to the health of Americans through miso," Marukome President Tokio Aoki said at the ceremony.

Soybean-based products are growing popular as a health food in the United States.

About 200 people attended the ceremony.

The new plant sits on a 12,500-sq.-meter site and cost some ¥2 billion to build.

Its output will be sold in the U.S. beginning in April, and will also be exported to Canada, Central America, Russia and Europe.