Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya Establish Joint Venture "MEAL HUB Co., Ltd." and Hold Joint Press Conference on the Establishment and M&A
Key facts
- Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya Establish Joint Venture "MEAL HUB Co., Ltd." and Hold Joint Press Conference on the Establishment and M&A
- Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya have announced the establishment of a joint venture, "MEAL HUB," and the M&A of LSG APAC, a global in-flight meal company, to strengthen their in-flight meal business and global expansion.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 8, 2026
Direct answer
Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya have announced the establishment of a joint venture, "MEAL HUB," and the M&A of LSG APAC, a global in-flight meal company, to strengthen their in-flight meal business and global expansion.
- Citation
- Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya Establish Joint Venture "MEAL HUB Co., Ltd." and Hold Joint Press Conference on the Establishment and M&A (April 8, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 8, 2026
Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya have announced the establishment of a joint venture, "MEAL HUB," and the M&A of LSG APAC, a global in-flight meal company, to strengthen their in-flight meal business and global expansion.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 14:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 19:14 (292h 43m after Collected)
Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Hirokazu Numata) and Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President and CEO: Atsushi Mukumoto) announced the establishment of a joint venture company and the acquisition of shares (M&A) in an in-flight meal-related corporate group centered overseas. This move aims to strengthen the in-flight meal business and promote global expansion.
Accordingly, a joint press conference was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. On the day of the event, representatives from both companies explained the purpose of establishing the joint venture, the background of participating in the joint investment, and the future vision of the newly undertaken in-flight meal business in overseas markets.
## Background of the Establishment of MEAL HUB Co., Ltd.
Hirokazu Numata, President of Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. and President of MEAL HUB Co., Ltd., introduced the background of establishing the joint venture "MEAL HUB". He stated, "The in-flight meal business is expected to have high growth potential globally. In particular, the Asian region, where LSG APAC*1 (the target of this M&A) operates, is anticipated to see significant growth. As a joint venture, we plan to achieve growth that exceeds this expectation. In addition, we are looking to use this M&A as a foothold to strengthen our own strengths—Gyomu Super, delicatessen, and restaurant businesses—overseas. Specifically, we expect synergies such as providing our own private brand products from 27 domestic factories to in-flight meals and further strengthening our overseas suppliers in over 50 countries." He outlined a policy to maximize the strengths and know-how of both companies to strengthen the newly undertaken in-flight meal business.
*1: The Asia Pacific division of the LSG Group, which develops the in-flight meal business globally.
## Expanding Domestic In-Flight Meal Know-How to New Overseas Markets
Subsequently, Atsushi Mukumoto, President and CEO of Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd., introduced the background of participating in the joint investment for the establishment of the joint venture. He stated, "LSG is a company operating the in-flight meal business globally and has abundant experience and know-how. This time, we have decided to acquire its Asia Pacific division through M&A. On the other hand, since our founding 60 years ago, Gourmet Kineya has developed various businesses related to 'food'. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to build a relationship with Kobe Bussan, leading to the establishment of this joint venture. Through this M&A, Gourmet Kineya expects various synergies such as procurement and overseas expansion of our restaurant business, as well as optimizing our business portfolio balance." He expressed the idea of aiming for further business growth by expanding the know-how and network of the in-flight meal business cultivated domestically to new overseas markets.
Accordingly, a joint press conference was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. On the day of the event, representatives from both companies explained the purpose of establishing the joint venture, the background of participating in the joint investment, and the future vision of the newly undertaken in-flight meal business in overseas markets.
## Background of the Establishment of MEAL HUB Co., Ltd.
Hirokazu Numata, President of Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. and President of MEAL HUB Co., Ltd., introduced the background of establishing the joint venture "MEAL HUB". He stated, "The in-flight meal business is expected to have high growth potential globally. In particular, the Asian region, where LSG APAC*1 (the target of this M&A) operates, is anticipated to see significant growth. As a joint venture, we plan to achieve growth that exceeds this expectation. In addition, we are looking to use this M&A as a foothold to strengthen our own strengths—Gyomu Super, delicatessen, and restaurant businesses—overseas. Specifically, we expect synergies such as providing our own private brand products from 27 domestic factories to in-flight meals and further strengthening our overseas suppliers in over 50 countries." He outlined a policy to maximize the strengths and know-how of both companies to strengthen the newly undertaken in-flight meal business.
*1: The Asia Pacific division of the LSG Group, which develops the in-flight meal business globally.
## Expanding Domestic In-Flight Meal Know-How to New Overseas Markets
Subsequently, Atsushi Mukumoto, President and CEO of Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd., introduced the background of participating in the joint investment for the establishment of the joint venture. He stated, "LSG is a company operating the in-flight meal business globally and has abundant experience and know-how. This time, we have decided to acquire its Asia Pacific division through M&A. On the other hand, since our founding 60 years ago, Gourmet Kineya has developed various businesses related to 'food'. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to build a relationship with Kobe Bussan, leading to the establishment of this joint venture. Through this M&A, Gourmet Kineya expects various synergies such as procurement and overseas expansion of our restaurant business, as well as optimizing our business portfolio balance." He expressed the idea of aiming for further business growth by expanding the know-how and network of the in-flight meal business cultivated domestically to new overseas markets.
FAQ
What is the name of the joint venture established by Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya, and when was the press conference held?
The joint venture is named MEAL HUB Co., Ltd., and the joint press conference was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Who are the presidents of Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya, and which companies are involved in the M&A?
Hirokazu Numata is president of Kobe Bussan, and Atsushi Mukumoto is president and CEO of Gourmet Kineya; they acquired shares in LSG APAC, an in-flight meal corporate group operating overseas.
What is the primary goal of the joint venture between Kobe Bussan and Gourmet Kineya in the in-flight meal sector?
The primary goal is to strengthen the in-flight meal business and promote global expansion by leveraging synergies between the two companies and targeting high-growth markets, especially in Asia.
How does Kobe Bussan plan to utilize its domestic production facilities in the new joint venture's operations?
Kobe Bussan plans to supply its private brand products from its 27 domestic factories to in-flight meals through the joint venture, enhancing product integration and distribution efficiency.
What synergies does Hirokazu Numata expect from the MEAL HUB joint venture in overseas markets?
Hirokazu Numata expects synergies including supplying private brand products from 27 domestic factories to in-flight meals and strengthening relationships with existing overseas suppliers in over 50 countries.