Fukuichi Gyogyo's Sustainable Bonito Product Wins Japan Fisheries Agency Award

Fukuichi Gyogyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Taichiro Kondo) has obtained the "MEL certification" (*1), a marine eco-label, for its company-owned vessels and processing plant as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries. The company's product "Katsuo no Kurozu An" (Bonito with Black Vinegar Sauce), which uses MEL-certified bonito, received the Director-General's Award from the Japan Fisheries Agency at the 34th National Processed Marine Products Quality Competition. This recognition is attributed to a comprehensive evaluation of the product's taste, texture, and high-quality ingredients, in addition to the company's sustainability initiatives.
Amid growing global interest in sustainable seafood, the company will continue to create products that achieve a balance between "sustainable fishing" and the "pursuit of deliciousness."
*1 MEL (Marine Eco-Label Japan) certification... A Japan-originated international marine eco-label that certifies businesses engaged in fishing practices that are considerate of marine resource sustainability and the environment.

■ Product Overview
Product Name: Katsuo no Kurozu An (Bonito with Black Vinegar Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Bonito (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Net Weight: 330g
Price: 1,000 JPY (tax included, as of May 2026)
Storage: Store frozen at -18°C or below
Shelf Life: 1 year from date of manufacture
Sales Channel: Company's official online store
Note: Vegetables are sold separately.
Features: The product has a soft texture and minimal fishy odor characteristic of bonito. It remains tender over time and is delicious even when served cold.

■ Japan Fisheries Agency Director-General's Award
The product was one of 10 winners of the Director-General's Award, the second-highest honor after the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award (5 winners), out of a total of 775 entries at the 34th National Processed Marine Products Quality Competition.

■ Commitment to Raw Materials
◎ About MEL Certification
The MEL scheme has three types of certification: Fishery, Aquaculture, and Chain of Custody (CoC). Our company has obtained the Fishery certification for its vessels and the CoC certification for its factory. This proves that the bonito used in this product is properly managed to prevent mixing with non-certified products.
◎ About Freshness
The bonito for this product is caught by the company's own vessels and landed at Yaizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture. To minimize the characteristic odor of bonito, the company exclusively selects cuts of a rank so fresh they could be used for sashimi.

■ Company History with Bonito
The company's history dates back to 1705, when records show the first generation of the representative's ancestors, a certain Mr. Kondo (name unknown, father of the second-generation Iheiji Kondo), was engaged in bonito fishing in present-day Yaizu City, Shizuoka. Today, the company has expanded its bonito fishing grounds from coastal to distant waters and operates four of the 26 (*2) large-scale purse seiners in Japan.
With over 300 years of expertise, the company applies its accumulated know-how across all stages of fishing, processing, and sales. By managing the value chain from catch to sales internally, the company leverages this expertise while achieving fair pricing by reducing intermediate costs.
*2 As of April 1, 2025