Morita Co., Ltd. Selected for Aichi Prefecture's 'New Aichi Creative R&D Subsidy' — Research on Re-evaluating Fermented Food Culture through Scientific Validation of Aichi Miso Quality

Morita Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; President & CEO: Shusaku Higaki), a subsidiary of JFLA Holdings, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo; President & CEO: Shusaku Higaki), has been selected for the 'New Aichi Creative R&D Subsidy' program implemented by Aichi Prefecture.

The 'New Aichi Creative R&D Subsidy' supports research and development of new products and technologies by companies within Aichi Prefecture, aiming to strengthen regional industrial competitiveness, promote sustainable growth, and create new added value through high-value manufacturing.

Morita has been selected under the general category for its research project titled 'Re-evaluating Fermented Food Culture through Scientific Validation of Aichi Miso Quality.'

(Research Period: 1 year, Research Budget: approx. 4 million JPY, Subsidy Rate: 1/2)

Announcement of Selected Projects for the New Aichi Creative R&D Subsidy

https://www.pref.aichi.jp/press-release/shin-aichi/saitaku2026.html

This project will scientifically analyze the relationship between microbial community changes during fermentation and the generation of umami, aroma, and antioxidant-related components in traditional wooden-barrel soybean miso from Aichi. By clarifying the unique fermentation mechanisms and quality-forming factors of wooden-barrel miso, the project aims to objectively visualize the value of miso—previously supported by experience and tradition—using data, and to communicate this quality value internationally.

For the research, Morita will collaborate with Nagoya City University (location: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) and the Aichi Industrial Science & Technology Center (location: Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture), advancing the project with expert knowledge and technical guidance.

Moving forward, Morita will continue to contribute to the inheritance and development of Aichi’s fermented food culture, as well as to the creation of new value and enhanced competitiveness of regional fermented foods such as soybean miso.

【About Morita Co., Ltd.】

Since beginning sake brewing in 1665 (Kanbun 5) in Kozuyagura Village, Aichi Prefecture (now Tokoname City), the company celebrated its 360th anniversary last year. It operates a 'Food Business' centered on soy sauce, miso, cooking sake, and mirin—products rooted in Japan’s traditional fermentation techniques—and also broadly offers sauces, dressings, and beverages. Additionally, it runs a 'Liquor Business' with sake as its core product.

Headquarters: 1-7-34 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

President & CEO: Shusaku Higaki

Morita Website URL: https://moritakk.com/

【About JFLA Holdings, Inc.】

Headquarters: 1-5-6 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo (Morita Building)

President & CEO: Shusaku Higaki

Business: Manufacturing and sales of dairy products, alcoholic beverages, soy sauce, and seasonings; import and sales of premium ingredients and wines; operation of restaurant franchises and dining establishments

URL: https://j-fla.com