Rei Kojima– Author –
CEO of Agriture Inc. Runs a contract processing and OEM business centered on dried vegetables and dried fruit. In partnership with farmers within Kyoto Prefecture, he pursues “sustainable food distribution” through the use of non-standard vegetables and support for sixth-industrialization. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience at manufacturing sites, he provides support that walks alongside every business considering OEM—from product planning and prototyping to small-lot handling, packaging design, and sales-channel development.
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News
We published a press release for the corporate "Yasai Yakuzen" service
Agriture Inc. published a press release regarding the official release of "Yasai Yakuzen," a corporate health-management program. "Yasai Yakuzen" is a new service that provides a mechanism by which employees can practice self-care without strain from their everyday meals, using familiar vegetables from a yakuzen (medicinal-food) perspective... -
Non-standard vegetables
Launched a food support service for Gen Z
Agriture Inc. has launched a "Product Development Support Service for Gen Z." Gen Z bases its food choices not on price and convenience alone but on "is it eco-friendly?" and "can I empathize with the story?" Making the most of the perspective that the founder himself is Gen Z, we resonate with this generation... -
Non-standard vegetables
A column by Agriture representative Kojima was published on Food OEM Com
A contributed article by Rei Kojima of Agriture Inc. was published in the column section of "Food OEM.com," an OEM matching platform specializing in the food industry. "Food OEM.com" is one of Japan's largest platforms disseminating a wide range of information on food OEM, from raw-material sourcing to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution... -
Non-standard vegetables
The initiatives of the dried-vegetable brand "OYAOYA" were introduced on KYOTOVEGAN
We were recently featured in a column by "KYOTOVEGAN," a regional network supporting vegans and vegetarians, introducing the initiatives of our dried-vegetable brand "OYAOYA." The article covers the "building of equal relationships with farmers" we've cherished since our founding, and non-standard vegetables... -
Prototyping
We Began Prototyping "Yuzu Powder" Using Yuzu Grown in Mizuo, Kyoto
Agriture recently prototyped "yuzu powder" using yuzu harvested in Kyoto, a famous yuzu-producing area located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. Kyoto is known as a historic yuzu-producing area continuing since the Heian period, and its land—blessed with a climate of temperature swings and clear water—produces aromatic, high... -
News
[Media coverage] CEO Kojima interviewed as a social entrepreneur taking on business challenges
CEO Kojima was interviewed for the 18th installment of the "Social Dreamers 100 PROJECT," which interviews social entrepreneurs taking on business challenges with the aim of creating a sustainable future. For the 18th installment, we welcomed Rei Kojima, CEO of Agriture Inc., and heard his story... -
Sustainability
What is vegetable dashi? A new option for sustainable umami
In Japan's long-standing food culture, dashi is the foundation of cooking and an important element that produces a delicate umami. Dashi of animal or seaweed origin, like bonito and kelp, is the basis of Japanese cuisine. It plays the role of adding rich flavor to a whole dish. However, with the diversification of food culture and the globa... of food -
Vegetable deficiency
Self-Check Your Vegetable Shortage! Confirm Your Health with a 10-Item Checklist You Can Do Right Now
The reality of modern Japan, where vegetable shortfall is worsening. Are you getting enough vegetables in your daily meals? In fact, the average vegetable intake of Japanese stops at about 256 g, about 94 g short of the 350 g a day recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Especially among the younger generations in their 20s to 40s, this vegetable shortfall is worsening further... -
Powder
[Latest 2025] A thorough comparison of 7 recommended vegetable powders
Vegetable powder is a food made by drying fresh vegetables into powder. It is growing in popularity as a convenient item for easily taking in vegetable nutrients. The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g, but the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. Many... -
Vegetable deficiency
Is Not Eating Vegetables Unhealthy? Lifestyle Improvements You Can Start for Now
Have you felt somehow under the weather lately? The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g. However, according to the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey, the average vegetable intake of Japanese stops at about 256 g. The vegetable-intake situation of people in their 20s is especially serious, with men... -
Vegetable deficiency
食物繊維が多い食べ物ランキング。野菜だけの順位も出しました
When you hear "foods high in fiber," you tend to picture vegetables, but in fact it spans a wide range — beans, seaweed, mushrooms, grains, potatoes, even fruit. Fiber, which tends to fall short in daily meals, can be increased without strain once you know it by category. In this article, foods high in fiber... -
Vegetable deficiency
実際に使って分かった野菜宅配サービスの選び方とおすすめ8社
野菜宅配サービスが広く使われるようになったのは、コロナがきっかけでした。在宅の時間が長くなり、家で使う食材にこだわりたいという人が増えたこと。買い物に出るのが億劫になったこと。この2つが重なって、宅配という選択肢が一気に身近になりました。... -
Vegetable deficiency
The new common sense of health maintenance that vegetable intake from your 40s can change
The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g. But in reality, the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. From their 40s on especially, vegetable intake tends to decrease further due to work busyness and lifestyle changes. This 70 g gap can, for your health... -
Vegetable deficiency
Solve Vegetable Shortage Even with Convenience-Store Food! 5 Smart Ways to Supplement
In your busy days, do you find yourself relying on easy convenience-store food? The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g. However, the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g, and the reality is that many people fail to meet the needed amount. Convenience-store food especially... -
Dried vegetables
The difference between dried vegetables and vegetable supplements: comparing the benefits and drawbacks
Are you eating the necessary amount of vegetables every day? The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g. But the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. This 70 g gap amounts to about one small side dish. Especially busy businesspeople and people living alone... -
Vegetable deficiency
Directly tied to improving corporate productivity! Key points for adopting health management
The term health management has become one you hear often lately. This is not merely part of employee benefits but a way of thinking drawing attention as a corporate growth strategy. Health management refers to a management method that considers employees' health care from a management perspective and practices it strategically. In the US... -
Vegetable deficiency
Is Japanese vegetable intake below average? The latest data and improvement measures
The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g. However, according to the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey, the average vegetable intake of Japanese is only 256.0 g (men 262.2 g, women 250.6 g). Seeing this figure, how do you feel? The recommended amount... -
Vegetable deficiency
10 Ways to Solve Vegetable Shortage That Even Busy People Can Practice
The vegetable intake of Japanese is in a serious situation. The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g, but the actual average intake stops at about 280 g. People in their 20s and 30s especially are about 30 g below average. There are not a few people who cannot get enough vegetables, citing busyness... -
Vegetable deficiency
Boost your vegetable intake even on busy mornings! Simple techniques you can do in 5 minutes
The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g, but the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. Especially on busy mornings, many people feel they have no room to take in vegetables. Working vegetables into breakfast is effective for increasing the day's vegetable intake... -
Recipes & uses
野菜の先食いとは?食べる順番と実践方法を解説
食事の際に野菜から食べる「ベジファースト」という食べ方をご存知でしょうか?最近では「野菜の先食い」とも呼ばれ、健康志向の高い人たちの間で実践されています。 野菜を最初に食べることには、食後の満足感や食習慣の見直しなど、さまざまなメリットが... -
Powder
Vegetable powder cost-performance comparison! 7 points on how to choose and use
Do you know about vegetable powder? The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g, but the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. Seeing this figure, you can tell that many people are unable to take in the vegetables they need. Especially for busy businesspeople, every... -
Vegetable deficiency
What is the 350 g-a-day vegetable guideline? Easy ways to achieve it
Have you heard the phrase "let's eat 350 g of vegetables a day"? This figure is the target value set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in its health-building indicator 'Health Japan 21.' But even told 350 g, it's hard to picture how much that actually is. In fact, the vegetables of Japanese... -
Vegetable deficiency
花粉症の季節に見直したい野菜の食べ方
When hay fever season comes, days of being troubled by sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes begin. Many people may feel, here comes the tough season again this year. In fact, it has been pointed out that your diet, especially your vegetable intake, may be affecting hay fever symptoms... -
Vegetable deficiency
8 Effective Ways to Relieve Constipation Caused by Vegetable Shortage
Are you troubled by constipation? Its cause may unexpectedly be "vegetable shortfall." The daily vegetable intake recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is 350 g, but the average intake of Japanese stops at about 280 g. This 70 g gap may be hindering your bowel movements. Vegetable shortfall... -
Product development
Preventing Food OEM Failures: Common Failure Cases and Countermeasures for Success
You want to make a food under your own brand. More and more companies are thinking this way. Entrants from other industries—retail, restaurants, startups—are becoming more active, and the food OEM market continues to expand. On the other hand, cases such as "the product didn't turn out as expected" or "costs exceeded expectations"... -
Product development
How to find a food OEM | How to efficiently find the best manufacturing partner
More and more companies want to roll out their own brand products in the food industry. Entrants from other industries—retail, restaurants, startups—are becoming more active, and inquiries such as "we want to prototype from small quantities" and "we want to make a product that leverages our strengths" are rapidly increasing... -
Product development
What Is the Minimum Lot for a Food OEM? How to Choose a Small-Lot-Capable Food Factory Explained
食品のOEMを検討するとき、最初に気になるのは「自分はこれくらいの数を作りたいけれど、この工場は何袋から受けてくれるのか」という点ではないでしょうか。まずは100袋ほどの小ロットから、細かく試しながら進めたいと考える方も多いはずです。 その感覚... -
Food OEM
What Is Phytorich? A Vegetable Series Developed by Takii & Co. That You "Choose by Color," Rich in Functional Components
As diets diversify today, there is demand not just for "getting nutrition" but for higher-value-added foods. Vegetables rich in functional components are drawing particular attention. Among them, the "Phytorich series" developed by Takii Seed offers a rich range of functional components you "choose by color."... -
Dried vegetables
乾燥野菜で朝に野菜を足す|食物繊維を手軽に摂る使い方ガイド
乾燥野菜で考える「野菜の摂り方」 朝は時間がなく、パンやごはんだけで済ませてしまう。野菜まで手が回らない。そんな声をよく耳にします。特に仕事のスタートが早い方ほど、朝に野菜を取り入れるのは難しいものです。 そこで役立つのが乾燥野菜です。水... -
Dried vegetables
Predicting the Dried Vegetable Market in 2030! An Explanation of Growth Fields and the Latest Trends
Dried vegetables are ingredients that raise shelf life and usability by driving off the moisture in vegetables. When made at home they're often called "hoshi-yasai" (sun-dried vegetables), and the appeal is being able to choose the finish yourself, from half-dried (semi-dry) to fully dried. This article covers the steps for making sun-dried vegetables on a home colander plus a balcony… -
Product development
Food OEM Market Trends 2026: A Growth Strategy Seen Through Small-Lot and Domestic-Ingredient Needs
The food OEM market is at a turning point. Not only major companies but also retailers, restaurants, and startups—entrants from other industries are surging. Voices saying "we want to make our own brand product" and "we want to try prototyping from small quantities" are rising like never before. Behind this... -
Product development
How to Use OEM Matching Sites: Efficiently Finding the Optimal Manufacturing Partner
With a stream of entrants from other industries—retail, restaurants, startups—inquiries saying "we want to make our own brand product" never stop. But what many companies face is the challenge of "how to find a manufacturing partner they can trust." With trade shows and referrals alone... -
Food OEM
Food industry trade show trends 2025 | The latest developments to keep in mind
Trade shows that give a full view of the entire supply chain—from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and import/export—are held one after another, becoming a place industry insiders can’t miss for business meetings and discovering trends. But with so many trade shows held, “which event to attend” and “what you can gain... -
Food OEM
A guide to preparing for a trade show | Schedule, costs, and checklist
Exhibiting at a trade show brings great effect in acquiring new customers and improving awareness. But for beginners, it’s often unnerving not knowing where to start with preparations. What you’ll learn in this article: the preparation schedule and cost guide for exhibiting; preparation by period... -
Product development
How to proceed with hometown-tax product development | OEM techniques that make the most of local ingredients
The market for furusato tax (hometown tax) donations continues to expand year after year. For municipalities, return gifts are an important means of broadcasting a region's appeal nationwide. But quite a few operators struggle with worries like "how do we develop an attractive product" or "we can't put together a manufacturing setup on our own"... -
Food OEM
Prevent trade show failures! 8 common failure patterns and countermeasures
Exhibiting at a trade show is a prime opportunity to acquire new customers and improve awareness. However, cases where a valuable investment goes to waste due to insufficient preparation or strategic missteps are not few. In food, beverage, and agriculture trade shows especially, there are challenges unique to the industry. Exhibiting costs are by no means... -
Freeze-dried
Whole Freeze-Dried Strawberry | Uses in Confectionery and Preventing Breakage
Freeze-dried strawberry (whole) is a three-dimensional dried ingredient that retains the shape of fresh strawberries as-is. It shows its strength in "products that appeal visually"—confectionery and baking decoration, wagashi toppings, chocolate, and premium gifts. On the other hand, it has the weakness of breaking easily during transport and filling... -
Product development
Black Tea OEM Original Blends: Origin and Flavor Design
Black tea OEM is a contract service for planning and manufacturing original black tea products under your own brand. You outsource everything—selecting tea leaves, blend design, flavoring, and packaging—to a specialist black tea manufacturer, allowing you to roll out black tea products bearing your own name from small lots. D2C, cafés, hotels, food... -
Commercial ingredients
How to choose commercial vegetable dashi: comparing across three axes of ingredient, format, and scope
Commercial vegetable dashi has become an essential ingredient for restaurants and processed-food makers to satisfy "vegan/halal compatibility," "reduced-salt claims," and "designs that avoid MSG" while maintaining consistent, reproducible flavor. When selecting, the grade of the ingredient (growing region, variety, drying method) and the form (powder...
