Hitomairu Begins Full-Scale Logistics Services for Yakiniku Toraji at Heiwa-jima Center, Supporting Three Temperature Zones, Starting July

Hitomairu Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kita-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroyuki Maegaki) announced that its subsidiary, Hitomairu Logistics Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Wakō-shi, Saitama; President and CEO: Manabu Okawara), which handles logistics within the Hitomairu Group, will commence full-scale third-party logistics (3PL) services for Toraji Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kōtō-ku, Tokyo; President: Shin-hiko Kim), a company that operates yakiniku specialty restaurants such as "Yakiniku Toraji" primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This initiative will leverage the approximately 200 tsubo of refrigeration and freezing facilities at the "Heiwa-jima Center," which were introduced this year and support three temperature zones (frozen, partial freeze, and refrigerated). The services will officially begin in July 2026.

The Hitomairu Group's medium-term management plan, "TRANSFORMATION PLAN 2028," emphasizes strengthening its "sales platform business centered on logistics," which involves providing integrated services from order reception, storage, and delivery to billing and settlement to external companies.

Under this plan, in addition to its traditional strengths in alcoholic beverages, drinks, and dry goods, the company has been expanding its handling of temperature-sensitive goods, particularly fresh foods, and offering its platform to external shippers. The introduction of the refrigeration and freezing facilities and the commencement of full-scale logistics services are integral parts of the group's growth strategy.

Overview of the Initiative

The food service industry currently faces common challenges, including a shortage of delivery drivers, rising costs, compliance with the "2024 Problem" (related to driver working hours), and stringent quality control for ingredients. Hitomairu Logistics utilizes its extensive assets and delivery expertise, cultivated through its group's internal deliveries, to establish a highly efficient 3PL system that resolves these logistics issues. The company will undertake the entire process from collection at the central kitchen, temporary storage, to delivery to each store. Deliveries will be made to "Yakiniku Toraji" and other stores while maintaining optimal temperature control tailored to the ingredients, ranging from the partial freeze zone, which allows for precise temperature management to slightly freeze the surface, to refrigerated and ambient temperature control. This will lead to the streamlining of Toraji's logistics management system and the establishment of a stable store delivery infrastructure.

Refrigeration and Freezing Facilities at Heiwa-jima Center

<Logistics Flow>

* Pickup: Collection from Toraji's central kitchen using Hitomairu Logistics' refrigerated vehicles. * Storage and Management: Storage at the optimal temperature zone for ingredients within the refrigeration and freezing facilities at Heiwa-jima Center. * Delivery to Stores: Delivery to each store by Hitomairu Logistics vehicles under strict temperature control, in accordance with each store's orders.

*Note: Some deliveries are handled by external delivery companies.

About Hitomairu Group's "Sales Platform Business Centered on Logistics"

The Hitomairu sales platform business leverages the strategic location and facilities of the Heiwa-jima Center, along with high-quality operations managed by its own staff. The range of handled goods is diverse, from fresh foods such as meat and vegetables to processed foods, and can be flexibly customized to match the scale of the client's business.

【Five Strengths to Solve External Shipper Challenges】

* 3PL (Integrated Contract Services): Integrated contract services from inventory management and cargo handling to store delivery. * Last-Mile Delivery: High delivery quality provided by its own staff through a unique delivery network. * 2-Way Logistics: Supports the collection of materials and containers using return trips, achieving both efficiency and reduced environmental impact. * Through Logistics: Minimizes inventory risk by speedily sorting and shipping without inventory buildup. * Advanced Three-Temperature Zone Management: Supports ambient, refrigerated, and frozen temperatures, as well as partial freeze for superior freshness preservation.

Hitomairu Group will continue to evolve its sales platform business centered on logistics, welcoming more companies as new partners. By providing integrated support from order reception, storage, and delivery to billing and settlement, the group aims to create new market value together with its partner companies and contribute to societal development.

【About Toraji Co., Ltd.】

Head Office: 3-7-26 Tatsumi, Kōtō-ku, Tokyo

President: Shin-hiko Kim

Established (Founded): June 30, 1999

Business Activities: Operation of Yakiniku restaurants

URL: https://corp.ebisu-toraji.com/

【About Hitomairu Co., Ltd.】

Head Office: 2-3-1 Toyoshima, Kita-ku, Tokyo

President and CEO: Hiroyuki Maegaki

Established (Founded): June 15, 1982 (November 1, 1921)

Business Activities: Operation of sales platforms, group business strategy, development, management, and related operations

URL: https://www.hitomile.co.jp/

【Inquiries Regarding This Matter】

Hitomairu Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department

TEL: 03-5959-3088

MAIL: ir@hitomile.co.jp