On the April 1 2023 Sumitomo Corporation signed an MoU agreement with Nutrition Technologies with a portfolio valued at over USD100m. The MoU allows Sumitomo to distribute Nutrition Technologies products into the Japanese market for use in a range of sectors, including petfood and aquafeed products. Sumitomo Corporation is an existing investor of Nutrition Technologies and is strategically aligned to the company’s mission of sustainably feeding the global population through a circular economy.
Sumitomo Corporation recognises the advantage of Nutrition Technologies’ low-energy, tropical production technology compared to other manufacturers of insect-based products. With the growing demand for food and increasing pressure on protein supply, Sumitomo Corporation sees the need for more sustainable products and the opportunity presented by Nutrition Technologies products, which are made from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL).
This is an exciting opportunity for Nutrition Technologies to extend their commercial reach in Japan, thanks to Sumitomo Corporation’s extensive distribution network and aligned companies within their group. This extensive market network and in-depth consumer insight will facilitate the Japanese market to access sustainably manufactured insect-based products, creating a more sustainable and equitable food system in the process. 
“This distribution agreement not only secures supply for our existing customers and the strength of demand we have for future production, but emphasises our commitment to the success of Nutrition Technologies, and underlines the strategic alignment between the two companies. We envisage a bright future where the two businesses can grow together” said Masahito Uno, General Manager Life Sciences Division Sumitomo Corporation.
Sumitomo Corporation also recognises that there are many other opportunities outside of the feed sector, such as in sustainable cosmetics and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and is already creating linkages with key partners to develop these products, which are expected to come online in the coming years.
Sumitomo Corporation (“SC”) is a leading Fortune 500 global trading and business investment
company with 131 locations (Japan: 20, Overseas: 111) in 66 countries and regions. The entire
SC Group consists of more than 900 companies. SC conducts commodity transactions in all
industries utilising worldwide networks, provides customers with financing, serves as an
organiser and a coordinator for various projects, and invests in companies to promote greater
growth potential. SC’s core business areas include six business units: Metal Products;
Transportation & Construction Systems; Infrastructure; Media & Digital; Living Related & Real
Estate; and Mineral Resources, Energy, Chemical & Electronics, and one initiative: Energy
Innovation.
