Hakubaku Recognized as First 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' by MAFF
Hakubaku Co., Ltd., a leader in grain products, has been selected as one of the first recipients of the 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' certification, a new program established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in 2026 to promote food education among adults.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 10:00
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Hakubaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo City, Yamanashi Prefecture; President: Shigetoshi Nagasawa), a grain industry leader advocating for 'staple food reform,' has been certified as a 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026,' a designation newly created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) as part of its initiative to promote 'food education for adults.'
This system recognizes corporations that provide healthy meals to employees and contribute to the improvement of their dietary habits. As a prerequisite for this certification, companies must have already applied for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 'Health & Productivity Management' certification. It is an advanced recognition system specializing in 'diet and eating habits,' which are essential aspects of corporate health management.
Hakubaku believes that the most important factor in promoting health-focused management is ensuring all employees are mentally and physically healthy and able to work vigorously. Having achieved five consecutive years of 'Health & Productivity Management' (large enterprise category) certification, Hakubaku has been actively promoting corporate health. The company deeply resonates with the goals of this new food-focused system, which forms the foundation of health.
Hakubaku was selected as one of the inaugural certified corporations due to its three daily practices aimed at improving employee health.
◎ Hakubaku's 'Three Food Education Initiatives'
1. Healthy Corporate Cafeteria
Following the relocation of its factory, the company developed menus in collaboration with a cafeteria operator to enhance employee health. All menus display key nutritional values (energy, salt, fat, etc.), and employees can choose between 'Mochimugi (barley) rice' or 'mixed grain rice' as their staple. In addition, employees can freely add barley to their meals, and the company hosts events such as the annual 'Barley & Tororo Day' on June 16. As a sponsor of a professional soccer team, the company also serves local dishes of opposing teams as 'cheering menus' before matches, ensuring a highly satisfying and diverse dining experience.
2. Employee Agricultural Experience
In response to internal feedback regarding the need for stronger connections with agriculture, the company launched this initiative in 2022. Employees participate in the cultivation of 'black rice'—an ingredient used in the company’s products—from planting to harvesting. This allows them to understand the story and value behind the products. The program has expanded to include collaboration with local students, where participants experience the entire flow from planting to processing and sales, promoting the importance of agriculture and food. This hands-on experience has enhanced product knowledge and allowed employees to share compelling stories with customers, fostering trust and strengthening relationships with producers.
3. Health Seminars and Dietary Guidance
Initiated after analyzing health checkup results with industrial physicians and nurses, these seminars aim to realize the corporate philosophy of 'realizing healthy and rich dietary lives.' Based on yearly themes (e.g., lifestyle disease prevention, stress management, obesity prevention), the company hosts seminars where internal registered dietitians propose specific menus using company products and offer practical guidance. These efforts have yielded high results, with 100% understanding in health seminars and a 98% shift in health awareness among participating employees.
Hakubaku remains committed to earnestly addressing food to support healthy and rich dietary lives for everyone.
◎ Summary of 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' Certification
- Certification Program: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation Awards (hosted/certified by MAFF’s 'Public-Private Collaboration Shokuiku Platform')
- Certification Name: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026
- Certification Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
This system recognizes corporations that provide healthy meals to employees and contribute to the improvement of their dietary habits. As a prerequisite for this certification, companies must have already applied for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 'Health & Productivity Management' certification. It is an advanced recognition system specializing in 'diet and eating habits,' which are essential aspects of corporate health management.
Hakubaku believes that the most important factor in promoting health-focused management is ensuring all employees are mentally and physically healthy and able to work vigorously. Having achieved five consecutive years of 'Health & Productivity Management' (large enterprise category) certification, Hakubaku has been actively promoting corporate health. The company deeply resonates with the goals of this new food-focused system, which forms the foundation of health.
Hakubaku was selected as one of the inaugural certified corporations due to its three daily practices aimed at improving employee health.
◎ Hakubaku's 'Three Food Education Initiatives'
1. Healthy Corporate Cafeteria
Following the relocation of its factory, the company developed menus in collaboration with a cafeteria operator to enhance employee health. All menus display key nutritional values (energy, salt, fat, etc.), and employees can choose between 'Mochimugi (barley) rice' or 'mixed grain rice' as their staple. In addition, employees can freely add barley to their meals, and the company hosts events such as the annual 'Barley & Tororo Day' on June 16. As a sponsor of a professional soccer team, the company also serves local dishes of opposing teams as 'cheering menus' before matches, ensuring a highly satisfying and diverse dining experience.
2. Employee Agricultural Experience
In response to internal feedback regarding the need for stronger connections with agriculture, the company launched this initiative in 2022. Employees participate in the cultivation of 'black rice'—an ingredient used in the company’s products—from planting to harvesting. This allows them to understand the story and value behind the products. The program has expanded to include collaboration with local students, where participants experience the entire flow from planting to processing and sales, promoting the importance of agriculture and food. This hands-on experience has enhanced product knowledge and allowed employees to share compelling stories with customers, fostering trust and strengthening relationships with producers.
3. Health Seminars and Dietary Guidance
Initiated after analyzing health checkup results with industrial physicians and nurses, these seminars aim to realize the corporate philosophy of 'realizing healthy and rich dietary lives.' Based on yearly themes (e.g., lifestyle disease prevention, stress management, obesity prevention), the company hosts seminars where internal registered dietitians propose specific menus using company products and offer practical guidance. These efforts have yielded high results, with 100% understanding in health seminars and a 98% shift in health awareness among participating employees.
Hakubaku remains committed to earnestly addressing food to support healthy and rich dietary lives for everyone.
◎ Summary of 'Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026' Certification
- Certification Program: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation Awards (hosted/certified by MAFF’s 'Public-Private Collaboration Shokuiku Platform')
- Certification Name: Shokuiku Practical Excellence Corporation 2026
- Certification Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
FAQ
「食育実践優良法人2026」とはどのような認定制度ですか？
農林水産省が「大人の食育」推進の一環として2026年に創設した顕彰制度です。従業員の健康的な食事の提供や食生活改善に取り組む法人を認定するもので、経済産業省の「健康経営優良法人」認定が前提条件となっています。
株式会社はくばくが認定された具体的な理由は？
健康社食の提供、社員による農業体験、看護師や管理栄養士による健康教室と食事指導という、従業員の健康増進に向けた「3つの食育取り組み」が評価されました。
はくばくが実践している「健康社食」の特長は何ですか？
主要栄養成分の表示や「もち麦ごはん」等の選択制導入に加え、プロスポーツチームの対戦相手の郷土料理を提供する「応援メニュー」など、楽しさと健康を両立させた取り組みを行っています。
はくばくの「社員の農業体験」の内容を教えてください。
2022年から開始した活動で、黒米の田植えから稲刈りまでを社員が体験し生産過程を学ぶほか、地域の学生と連携して加工・販売までの一連の流れを体験する取り組みを行っています。
「食育実践優良法人2026」の認定期間はいつからいつまでですか？
認定期間は2026年4月1日から2027年3月31日までです。