YAKULT HISTORY


Dr. Minoru Shirota

In 1930, Dr. Minoru Shirota, who was conducting research in a microbiology lab at the Medical Faculty of Kyoto University in Japan, became the first person in the world to succeed in culturing a strain of lactic acid bacteria beneficial to human health. This bacterium was named "Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain" after Dr. Shirota.
 
At that time, Japan was not a wealthy nation, and many children lost their lives to infectious diseases and other maladies brought on by malnutrition. Deeply concerned about these conditions, Dr. Shirota was determined to focus his efforts on preventive medicine, and turned his attention to the study of microorganisms. He set about developing a stronger strain of lactic acid bacteria which would work to destroy the harmful bacteria living in the intestines, and therefore improve and maintain the health of human beings. The result of his efforts was the successful culturing of Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain.



Dr. Shirota then began working together with supporters to make a delicious, yet affordably priced drink incorporating the Shirota strain so that many people could enjoy the benefits of the microorganisms.

His dedication led to the development of Yakult, a cultured milk drink, which was introduced to the market in 1935. 




Dr. Shirota was driven by a relentless dedication to good health. His passion, creativity, and inexhaustible curiosity live on today, through the continuing progress of Yakult.

Today, Yakult has grown to become a world leader in probiotics. Over 28 million people drink Yakult every day for good health. We now operate in 32 countries, across five continents.

But what exactly does 'Lactobacillus casei Shirota' mean? The strain name is broken down as follows:

Lactobacillus (genus): Made up of two Latin words: lacto meaning milk, and bacillus meaning small rod. Lactobacilli are small rod-shaped bacteria, often found in dairy products.

casei (species): Latin for 'cheese', reflecting the association of this species with fermented dairy products.

Shirota (strain): Named after Yakult's founder Dr Shirota.





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THE YAKULT PRODUCT

Yakult is a high quality probiotics in the form of a cultured milk drink. Yakult contains the probiotic bacteria "Lactobacillus casei Shirota" (popularly known as the "Shirota strain"). With over 30 billion live Shirota strain in each bottle, Yakult has among the highest concentrations of probiotics compared to other probiotic products on the market (most probiotic drinks and supplements claim to contain at most 1 to 10 billion live probiotic bacteria per serving or per capsule).

The Shirota strain is scientifically proven to be among the 'strongest' strains of beneficial bacteria, and has been shown to benefit human health.

In Japan, Yakult is acknowledged by the Japanese Ministry of Health as a "Food for Specified Health Usages" with approved health claim "The Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain reaches the intestines alive, so this product maintains good health by increasing beneficial bacteria, decreasing harmful bacteria and improving the intestinal environment".

Free of preservatives, colourings and stabilizers, Yakult is the right choice for those looking for high quality probiotics for good health.
Yakult Ace

 Yakult Ace cultured milk drink, is a premium version of the standard Yakult cultured milk drink available in other countries worldwide. Yakult Ace has a higher concentration of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus casei Shirota (3 times more!) and contains added nutrients: calcium, niacin and vitamins B6, B12 and D.
 
Yakult Ace Light

Our latest product, Yakult Ace Light cultured milk drink has the same high concentration of Shirota strain as Yakult Ace, 30 billion in each bottle, but with 50 percent less sugar and a lighter, less sweet taste.

Just like Yakult Ace, Yakult Ace Light is free of fat, cholesterol, colourings, preservatives, conditioners and stabilizers.
Food & Beverages product range

 Yakult beverages foster a healthy lifestyle. High quality ingredients go into the creation of functional food products for the health-conscious.
Cosmetics product range

 Yakult's cosmetics are created using biotechnology

Pharmaceuticals product range

 Yakult's pharmaceuticals bring significant contribution to the science of curative medicine.


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THE PROCESS OF YAKULT

1.
1. Mixing of Raw Ingredients
Live Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain is cultured in a 'seed tank' in our laboratory.
Skim milk powder is mixed with sugar, glucose and filtered, sterilised water to make a sweet milky solution.

2. Sterilisation
The sweet, milky solution is sterilised at a high temperature for a short time, destroying any bacteria that may be present. The solution is then transferred to a 6,500-litre culture tank via a closed system of pipes and valves.

3. Culture Tank
The temperature of the tank is reduced to 37°C and live Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain is added. The solution is allowed to ferment for about one week until the number of Lactobacillus casei bacteria reaches an ideal concentration.

4. Mixing and Storage Tank
The concentrate is transferred to a 12,000-litre mixing and storage tank. The tank is chilled to around 2° C. Sterilised flavours, syrup solution, vitamins and calcium are added to the concentrate. Prior to bottling, the concentrate is diluted with filtered, sterile water.

5. Injection Blow Moulding Machine
The plastic bottles are produced on site. The bottles are made from polystyrene.

6. Bottling and Packaging
The bottles are wrapped with individual bottle labels. Then, they are filled with Yakult, capped with a foil lid, sealed and transferred along the conveyor belt to the packaging facility. Single bottles of Yakult are sorted into groups of five and shrink-wrapped in polypropylene film. Ten "5-packs" are grouped together and wrapped again in polyethylene film and then heat shrunk, forming a 'carton' of 50 Yakult bottles.

7. Refrigeration Room
Finished products are kept refrigerated before delivery to stores.

8. Yakult Quality Assurance
Yakult maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program in order to ensure that our product is of the highest quality. For this reason, samples are collected for laboratory analysis throughout the production process to confirm that the quality assurance measures in place have been effective.
Our testing involves more than 150 samples per production run, upon which a total of more than 200 tests are conducted. These determine Lactobacillus casei numbers, check for potential contaminants, microbiological quality, composition, acidity, physical attributes and taste. In addition, each bottle is inspected for undesirable markings and incorrect printing.

Quality assurance measures are in place to maintain standards for personnel and factory hygiene, equipment cleaning, processing methods and parameters, and product handling. Yakult's quality assurance utilizes a system called "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points" (HACCP). The principles of HACCP are internationally recognised as an excellent method for assuring stringently high standards.

9. Waste Management

Cleaning - Yakult adheres to a comprehensive hygiene and sanitation program, following a cleaning program that is predominantly governed by CIP (Cleaning in Place). Steam, an environmentally friendly cleaner, is used to sterilize the pipes and tanks. A single phase chemical cleaner is used, reducing the numbers of chemicals introduced into the drains. Chlorine based chemicals are not used.

Solid wastes - The amount of solid waste is relatively small.

Liquid wastes - Any liquid waste goes into a holding tank in our water treatment facility. The acidity (pH) of the water is adjusted with acid or alkaline before being released into the sewage system.

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THE STORY OF YAKULT FOUNDER



Minoru Shirota was born in April 1899 in the village which is located beside the River Inadani Tenryuu in the area Iida, Western Nagano, Japan. Inadani village is surrounded by a hilly area of ​​high mountains. It is a poor country since time immemorial because rice can not be alive in there. Minoru Shirota was born in a wealthy family in the village. In addition to having wholesale business paper and silk worm rearing, his father also worked at the bank. Up to standart 2, Shirota branch of study in school, but moved to schools across the mountain Ryuunooka center when they enter the standart 3. Shirota is liked by many for his humor and intelligence. Hashizume Fukuji teacher was the first to see and tap the talent of Shirota.

In April 1913, Shirota entering lower secondary school Iida old system. To get to school, Shirota had to trudge 16 KM. His classmates in junior high school Iida of 66 people. 14 of whom aspire to become doctors. Similarly, Shirota who choose to become a doctor with the encouragement of his father. At that time, many students from lower secondary school to further their education Ilda High School 8 (now the University of Nagoya). The encouragement of seniors in the school, Shirota continue their education to high school 2 (now the University of Tohoku) in the district of Sendai, Miyagi Region.

In her spare time, Shirota like to watch movies with friends. Three years spent his adolescent years Shirota in Sendai. His ambition was to become doctors have never forgotten. He made the decision to the Faculty of Medicine study. But alas, not long after the war, broke out in Japan. Since small, Shirota not like fighting. He misses a quiet and as free as compared to Japan's Kyoto.

In April 1921, Shirota further studies at Kyoto University. When he began teaching in the medical field, he was interested to learn about microorganisms and to study the disease-causing microorganisms. In Inadani, Nagano, where Shirota grew arid land can not be planted with field crops. Many are living in poverty. Due to poverty, children do not get nutritious food so their bodies become weak. Many children died of dysentery. So Shirota was determined to find drugs that can eradicate diseases such as Dysentery and typhus, and also examine how to prevent the spread of this disease.

Shirota was his studies in the spring of 1925. The above recommendations of Professor Kiyono, he continued his research of interest to microbiologists. At that time, research Shirota experienced strides compared to when she was studying. In his research found bacteria Shirota dangerous as typhus and Dysentery germs that enter the body can cause disease. In the human stomach are beneficial bacteria that protect health and fight against harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria are examples of good bacteria in the human stomach. Then Shirota thought to find Lactobacillus bacteria from nature and then to propagate and strengthen it to drink. In this way, harmful bacteria can be eliminated and natural health can be maintained. Shirota to continue research to strengthen the Lactobacillus.

In 1939, Shirota met and married her choice, Yoshie. They start a new life in Kamigyoku in Kyoto. The following year, Shirota received a PhD in medicine and began to teach at the University of Kyoto. At the end of next year, Shirota received a PhD in the medical field and began to teach at the University of Kyoto. Shirota life was so happy when the birth of his son, Takane and Mari. After that Shirota received a letter from the government to pursue the war and defend the country. Shirota is assigned as a military doctor. Then, in July 1938, he had to cross the sea when assigned to teach as a professor at the University Medical Harupin, China. When the outbreak of the war in China, Shirota has come back to Japan.

Shirota Shirota Research Centre set up in January 1939. Shirota are willing to stop teaching to promote Yakult. At that time Japan was transformed into a military state money used to build warships and tanks from the Provide food for the people. Children who are growing up not getting enough food. Finally, many died due to lack of nutritious food. Yakult is sold at a low price so that anyone can buy.

In 1941, Yoshie, Shirota wife had died. At the same time the outbreak of war. The war continued for four years. Shirota full of life and risking his life to work again Yakult business with friends. In 1950, production and marketing of Yakult is restarted. In 1955, Shirota move its headquarters to Tokyo Yakult he popularized. With his research as a medical expert and success as a businessman, Shirota had the opportunity to attend the International Seminar of Microbiology in the Soviet Union in 1966. In 1969, Shirota efforts have been recognized with the Award of Tokyoku Kunyon Jitsusho Jusho.

Now the company has been successful Yakult food and beverage products. By using Lactobacillus and other microorganisms, cosmetics and medical products are produced. Yakult continues to grow and expanded rapidly until now.

Minoru Shirota died on 10 March 1982 at the age of 82 years.

Reference: Magazine "Shogaku Sannensei" (Primary Schools Standart 3) October and November 1990, of the Company "Shogakukan"

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COMPANY PROFILE (Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd)



Corporate name
YAKULT HONSHA CO., LTD.

Date founded
1935

Date incorporated
April 9, 1955

Head office
1-19 Higashi Shimbashi 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Telephone
03-3574-8960

Paid-in capital
31,117.65 million

Annual account settlement date
March 31

No. of employees
2,903
including 437 employees temporarily assigned to other companies and contract employees (311 employees temporarily assigned and 126 contract employees) (as of March 31, 2011)

Main banks
Mizuho Bank, Resona Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

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CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY





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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS (Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd)

Directors and Auditors

Chairman and Representative Director Chief Executive Officer 
Sumiya Hori 

President and Representative Director Chief Operating Officer 
Takashige Negishi 

Director 
 Yoshihiro Kawabata  
 Chizuka Kai   
 Masahiro Negishi  
 Shigeyoshi Sakamoto 
 Director (Part-time) 
 Ryuji Yasuda (Outside Director)   
 Masayuki Fukuoka (Outside Director)  
 Christian Neu (Outside Director)   
 Bertrand Austruy (Outside Director)   
 Richard Hall (Outside Director)  
 Shyouji Ikegami   
 Masayuki Takemura   
 Toshihiro Araki  
 Yasuhisa Abe 

 Senior Corporate Auditor
 Katsumi Ohtsubo   
 Takeyoshi Tanaka 

 Corporate Auditor 
 Teruo Nakamura   
 Akihiko Okudaira (Outside Auditor)   
 Ryohei Sumiya (Outside Auditor)   
 Masahiko Ikeda (Outside Auditor)   
 Seijuro Tanigawa (Outside Auditor) 

 Advisor
 Heisaku Horita   
 Toshiro Tsuboi   
 Kouhei Kitada   
 Tokuji Nakamura   
 Tomeji Tanigawa   
 Kaoru Yamaguchi
 Tomoharu Tanaka 

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ORGANIZATION CHART (Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd)

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HISTORY OF THE COMPANY (Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd)

 1930
  • Dr. Minoru Shirota succeeds in strengthening and culturing lactic acid bacteria, useful for maintaining health (L. casei strain Shirota).

1935
  • Yakult is manufactured and introduced to the market.

1938
  • Yakult is registered as a trademark.

1940
  • Local offices of the Association for Promotion of Preventive Bacteria Strain Shirota are established in various parts of Japan for the purpose of marketing and distributing Yakult.

1950-1955
  • Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is established. (Nishi Hatchobori, Chuo-ku,Tokyo)
  • Research Institute is established in Kyoto.

1960-1963
  • Yakult launches its unique Yakult Lady home delivery system.

1964
  • Yakult Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) begins operations as the company's first overseas operation base.

1967
  • Yakult Central Institute for Microbiology Research is established in Kunitachi, Tokyo.

1968
  • The company takes over the management of the Sankei Atoms baseball team (now the Tokyo Yakult Swallows).
  • Yakult S/A Ind. E. Com. (Brazil) begins operations.
  • Yakult is introduced to the market in a new plastic container.

 1969
  • Hong Kong Yakult Co., Ltd. begins operations.

1970
  • Joie fermented milk is introduced to the market.

1971
  • The company begins the full-scale sale of cosmetics.
  • Yakult (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Korea Yakult Co., Ltd. Begin operations.

1972
  • New head office building is completed in Higashi Shimbashi,Minato-ku, Tokyo.
  • Program of regular visits to senior citizens by Yakult Ladies begins.

1975
  • Biolactis Capsules ethical drug is introduced to the healthcare industry, thereby marking Yakult's entrance into the pharmaceutical business.
  • Sofuhl fermented milk is introduced to the market.

1978
  • Yakult Philippines, Inc. is established.
  • Mil-Mil fermented milk - developed through the direct culture of bifidobacteria - is introduced to the market.

1979
  • Yakult (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. begins operations.
  • The company verifies the anticancer effect of lactobacillus YIT 9018 and begins the development of a lactobacilli-based anticancer drug.
  • Yakult Seichoyaku intestinal regulator - an over-the-counter medicine - is introduced to the healthcare industry.

1980
  • Company stocks are listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
  • Toughman health drink is introduced to the market.


1981
  • Company stocks are listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
  • Yakult S.A. De C.V. (Mexico) begins operations.
  • Yakult 80 fermented milk drink is introduced to the market.

1982
  • Mil-Mil E fermented milk is introduced to the market.
1986
  • Fuji Susono Plant is completed for dairy-product manufacturing.

1987
  • Facilities for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and beverages are completed at the Fuji Susono Plant.

1988
  • Calorian enriched nutritional liquid food product is introduced to the market.

1989
  • Revecy S.E. Series is introduced to the market.
  • Bifiel, fermented milk containing bifidobacteria, is introduced to the market.

1990
  • The company files an application with the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the approval to manufacture LC9018 immunitherapeutic anticancer agent (product name, Lemonal Injection).
1991
  • P.T. Yakult Indonesia Persada begins operations.
  • Representative office is opened in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Yakult 80 Ace fermented milk drink is introduced to the market.

1992
  • Bioscience Research Foundation is established.


1994
  • Yakult Australia Pty. Ltd. and Yakult Nederland B.V. begin operations.
  • The manufacture of irinotecan hydrochloride, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent, is approved, and the drug is introduced to the healthcare industry under the brand name of Campto.
  • The company receives the Minister for Health and Welfare Award for distinguished volunteer service on behalf of the program of regular visits to senior citizens.

1995
  • Yakult Belgium S.A./N.V. begins operations.
  • The sale of the CPT-11 chemotherapeutic anticancer drug is approved in France as a therapeutic drug for progressive recurrent intractable colorectal cancer.
  • Parabio Series premium-quality skincare product line is introduced to the market.
  • Yakult BL Seichoyaku intestinal regulator - which combines bifidobacteria and lactobacilli - is introduced to the market.

1996
  • Yakult Europe B.V. is established.
  • Yakult UK Ltd. and Yakult Deutschland GmbH begin operations.
  • Yakult Fuji Distribution Center is completed.
  • The sale of the CPT-11 chemotherapeutic anticancer drug is approved in the U.S. as a therapeutic drug for progressive recurrent intractable colorectal cancer.

1997
  • Fuji Susono Plant receives ISO9002 certification.
    *(The ISO9002 standard, as a result of ISO standard revisions, was integrated into the ISO9001 standard as of October 2002.)
  • Yakult Argentina S.A. begins operations.
  • The company receives the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award (in the Consumer Division) at the Excellent Corporations of Food Industry Awards.
  • Revecy-N Series skincare product line is introduced to the market.

1998
  • Ten Yakult plants and one subsidiary plant receive HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) approval for total hygienic control in their production processes.
    *All the food plants (ten Yakult plants and nine subsidiary plants) had obtained approval as of October 2001.
  • Yakult is approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for labeling as Foods for Specified Health Uses.
  • Bansoreicha is introduced to the market.
  • Spherex arterial embolization material is introduced to the healthcare industry.
  • Yakult 80 Ace, Yakult LT, Joie, Mil-Mil, and Mil-Mil E are approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for labeling as Foods for Specified Health Uses.

1999
  • Yakult 400 fermented milk drink is introduced to the market.
  • Bifiel, Yakult 400, and Sofuhl are approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for labeling as Foods for Specified Health Uses.
  • The cancer prevention efficacy of L. casei strain Shirota is announced at the 58th General Meeting of the Japan Cancer Society.
  • Kyoto plant receives ISO14001 certification.
    *Nine Yakult plants, the Yakult's Analysis Laboratory, Nihon Chlorella, six subsidiary plants, and one distribution company have obtained certification as of August 31,2009.

2000
  • Bansoreicha is approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for labeling as Foods for Specified Health Uses.
  • The company receives an award from the Nihon Shokuryo Shimbun (Japan Food Stuff Newspaper) for contributions to the development of the food industry during the 20th century.

2001
  • Fuji Susono Pharmaceuticals Plant expansion completed.
  • Purela soft yogurt is introduced to the market.
  • 21st century Food and Health Forum is held. (subsequently held annually)
  • Yakult Swallows win their sixth league championship and fifth Japan Series title.

2002
  • World's first Automatic Intestinal Flora Analysis System is developed.
  • Guangzhou Yakult Co., Ltd. begins operations.

2003
  • Kurozu Drink is introduced to the market.
  • Cosmetic brand Posh Mama is introduced to the market.
  • Campto Injection wins the Chairman's Prize from Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation.
  • Vending machine sales alliance is established with Kirin Beverage.

2004
  • Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. begins operations.
  • New Toughman and Toughman V are introduced to the market.
  • Entered into a strategic alliance with Groupe Danone.
  • Sales of Yakult are begun in New Zealand.
  • The Revecy Series, a new foundation cosmetic line, is introduced to the market.
  • Pretio (Food for Specified Health Uses), a fermented milk drink is introduced to the market.
  • Shanghai Yakult Co., Ltd. begins operations.
  • Sales of Yakult are begun in Ireland.

2005
  • Yakult 300V is introduced to the market.
  • Research center is established in Europe (Belgium).
  • Yakult (China) Co., Ltd. is established to oversee operations in China.
  • Oxaliplatin, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, is approved under the name of Elplat.
  • Signed a memorandum of understanding with Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. and Kirin Beverage Corporation to enter into a business partnership focusing on health and functional foods.
  • Co-sponsored the FINA World Swimming Championships as an Official FINA Partner.
  • Decision made to enter the Indian market in alliance with Groupe Danone.
  • Three types of Bifiene, the new yogurt drink, are introduced to the market.
  • Shanghai Yakult Marketing Co., Ltd. begins operations.
  • Yakult Oesterreich GmbH begins operations.

2006
  • Sofuhl LCS 100 is introduced to the market.
  • The name of Yakult's line of beauty products was changed to Yakult Beautiens.
  • Our new line of basic cosmetics, Uruou Series, is introduced to the market.
  • The process of acquiring ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification of marketing companies begins (integrated certification).
  • Our new corporate slogan is decided : Healthier People, a Healthier World.
  • Beijing Yakult Marketing Co., Ltd. begins operations.
  • Yakult 300VLT is introduced to the market.
  • Yakult Science Research Lab pavilion opened at KidZania Tokyo.
  • The Yakult Crime and Disaster Prevention Council is established and a memorandum of understanding is concluded with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department regarding crimeprevention.

2007
  • Yakult Italia S.r.l. begins operations.
  • Local representative office of Yakult established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • Yakult Iwate Plant is completed.
  • Sales of Yakult are begun in California, USA.
  • Yakult Vietnam Co., Ltd. begins operations

2009                           
  • The anticancer drug Elplat for Injection 50mg is introduced to the market.
  • Yakult (Thailand) Co., Ltd. builds its second production plant in Ayutthaya.
  • Yakult Calorie Half is introduced to the market.
  • Revecy White is introduced to the market.
  • Yakult SHEs Hard Type is introduced to the market.
  • Joie container wins the Japan Star Award, the Japan Packaging Contest’s highest award.
  • Gyutto Kenko Cassis, Coenzyme Q10, and Shiso are introduced to the market.

2010
  • The scientific paper “The Science of B. breve strain Yakult-Relationship with Intestinal Flora and Health” is published.
  • Bifidobacteria beverage Mil-Mil is introduced to the market.
  • The main building removal work and landscaping work at Yakult Central Institute are completed. “A research institute in the forest” is realized.
  • The Yakult Honsha building, including Yakult Hall, receives Fire Safety Building Certificate (Excellence Mark).
  • An enhanced Parabio Series is introduced to the market.
  • Gyutto Kenko Glucosamine is introduced to the market.
  • A water soluble formulation of the anticancer drug Elplat is introduced to the market.

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Established in 1967 by Dr Shirota, the Yakult Central Institute for Microbiological Research is located in Tokyo, Japan. Its primary function is to investigate the use of beneficial bacteria in the promotion of health.

Today, 252 scientists and medical doctors are actively pursuing research aimed at applying bacteria effectively in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.



Yakult works closely with the scientific and medical communities, organizing conferences and funding research, all to increase understanding of the role of beneficial bacteria in health.








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YAKULT MALAYSIA (General)

Yakult was born over 75 years ago and since then has been loved by 28 million of consumers overseas. However, in Malaysia, Yakult is still a young and growing company. Yakult Ace was launched here just a few years ago in 2004.








Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yakult Honsha, Japan. Yakult has committed millions of ringgit to establish and operate our one and only local factory in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and our Head Office in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. Since then, we have opened branch offices in Johor Bahru, Melaka, Penang, Kuantan, Ipoh, Seremban and Kota Bharu.

Yakult (M) Sdn Bhd currently employs over 180 people throughout Malaysia. Our employees include production workers, sales consultants, customer service officers, administrative staff, managers and human resources personnel.

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YAKULT MALAYSIA (Distribution)

Yakult Ace and Yakult Ace Light cultured milk drinks are available at all major supermarkets, hypermarkets and stores throughout peninsular Malaysia.

Besides retail outlets, Yakult is also delivered fresh directly to consumers' homes via a network of "Yakult Ladies".




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YAKULT MALAYSIA (Factory)



The Yakult that we drink in Malaysia is produced from high quality, carefully selected ingredients from around the world and packaged in our technologically advanced local manufacturing facility, incorporating some of the latest food processing equipment.

The factory maintains the highest quality standards throughout the process, equivalent to the Yakult manufacturing plants in Japan. Strict standards apply to producing Yakult, ensuring a drink yield that is close to 99% (this means that 99% of the raw ingredients end up in the final product.) There are no by-products and little waste.



The Yakult factory in Malaysia is located in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and it produces Yakult for the whole of Malaysia, as well as for export to neighbouring countries.

The Yakult factory was built specially with visitors in mind. In the Yakult factory, a lot of attention is paid to the two-way communication with the consumer. People who are interested can get information in the factory, and moreover - this is unique - they can follow the whole production process from a lobby on the first floor. The walls are made of glass, which makes every step of the production process clearly visible. This shows the open character and the clear structure of the company.







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