Health Science domain

Having developed its expertise in fermentation and biotechnology through its beer business, the Kirin Group has been conducting research on microorganisms and plants for many years. This has led to the discovery and development of numerous ingredients that can help address health issues.

To achieve business growth, deliver evidence-based, high-value ingredients, and contribute to solving the health issues of even more consumers, we launched the Health Science domain in 2019.

The Health & Well-being domain has attracted numerous companies due to the significant social issues related to it, and as a result, the market has been expanding domestically and internationally. Furthermore, with the remarkable technological innovations by startups and major companies entering the field, the market is undergoing rapid changes, and the speed of environmental change is extremely fast.

Our group’s strengths lie in the development of functional ingredients using fermentation and biotechnology, mass productivity that leverages knowledge from Food & Beverages domain, and a wide range of consumer touchpoints domestically. We aim for sustainable growth by combining BtoB and BtoC in a unique business model called the BtoB/BtoC Linkage Model*.

  • A linked model that utilizes the insights gained from selling products in the BtoC business to create a new BtoB business that goes beyond ingredient sales.

June 5, 2023

Solving our consumers’ health issues and becoming a “Partner for a healthy and happy lifestyle in the 100-year life” through the growth of specialty ingredients

Building upon our group’s ingredients and technology, which harness the power of fermentation in living organisms, we aim to contribute to our consumers’ health more effectively by addressing not only specific health issues but also the innate power of the human body, which is the foundation of health.

The Kirin Group 2022-2024 Medium-Term Business Plan outlines our strategy to achieve growth in the immunology field by linking BtoB and BtoC, rehabilitating BtoB businesses, building a foundation for higher profits, expanding consumer touchpoints in BtoC (including Kirin Beverage and other existing businesses), and exploring M&A opportunities. We have also developed a human resources strategy to achieve these goals and improve our organizational capability.

In 2022, sales revenue increased to 103.6 billion yen due to strong sales of Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma, a postbiotic) products, although it fell slightly short of the original plan at the beginning of the year.

In 2023, we will continue to aim for steady sales growth in Japan and focus on maintaining double-digit growth compared to the previous year by strengthening marketing activities to increase recognition of the functions of LC-Plasma. In addition, by collaborating with companies in Japan and overseas that license our products through BtoB marketing, we will create a virtuous cycle of increased recognition of the functions and sales growth.

Kyowa Hakko Bio, which has recorded an impairment loss, will focus on reducing the scale of its amino acid business, which consists of commonly consumed products, and instead focus on high-value-added specialty ingredients such as Citicoline and Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs).

Kirin Beverage will take measures to increase profitability, such as renewing highly profitable small-size products, while Koiwai Dairy Products will formulate a plan to include a greater percentage of Health Science products in its overall product composition. Both companies will aim for profitable growth in the Japanese market.

  • Figure: SoIving health issues through unique approaches

  • Figure: SoIving health issues through unique approaches

Message from the Executive in Charge of Health Science Strategy

In the Health Sciences business, we are working to maximize the value of specialty ingredients by establishing a BtoB/BtoC Linkage Model.

Aiming to establish and spread immune care habits through LC-Plasma

  • LC-Plasma

The Kirin Group aims to promote the habit of immune care worldwide through the use of LC-Plasma, to foster the perception that Kirin is the leading company in immune care. However, while over 80% of people understand the importance of immune care, only about 10% take action. Our surveys have shown that this is because consumers are not aware of how to perform immune care. To provide a simple immune care method, our group has been working on enhancing the attractiveness and expanding the lineup of our own products, as well as collaborating with partner companies to create an environment where LC-Plasma can be delivered to consumers who cannot be reached by our company alone, such as those who prefer snacks or green juices. Our goal is to make it easy for people to care for their immunity. By spreading the habit of immune care through LC-Plasma to more and more people, we will continue to contribute to the healthy and positive daily lives of people around the world.

  • LC-Plasma

Each company's policies and achievements

Related Information