Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation best known for its flagship probiotic beverage, Yakult. Founded in 1935 by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota, the company pioneered the development of the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, which remains at the core of its functional dairy products. Over the decades, Yakult Honsha has expanded its portfolio to include a range of fermented milk drinks, nutritional supplements, and related health‐oriented foods.
A key pillar of Yakult Honsha’s strategy is research and development. The company operates the Yakult Central Institute in Tokyo, where scientists conduct clinical studies on the effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal health and immune function. These findings inform both the refinement of existing products and the creation of new offerings designed to support digestive wellness and overall health.
Yakult Honsha maintains a global footprint, with subsidiaries and distribution networks in more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. In each market, the company partners with local distributors and sales forces to tailor marketing and logistics to regional consumer preferences. Major overseas units include Yakult Europe, Yakult U.S.A., and Yakult Latin America, each responsible for production, quality control and local regulatory compliance.
The company is headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo, and is led by President and CEO Masanobu Mori. Yakult Honsha’s governance emphasizes sustainability, quality assurance and community health outreach. Through ongoing investments in scientific research and international expansion, the company continues to pursue its mission of delivering probiotic‐based products that contribute to global well‐being.
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