New 'Local Support' Theme for Exclusive Catalog: Featuring Kanagawa Specialties Starting May 25 (Mon)

Pal System Kanagawa is adding a new 'Local Support' theme to its exclusive 'Iine! Kanagawa' catalog starting Monday, May 25, to feature locally manufactured goods. In addition to promoting local consumption of regional agricultural products, the initiative aims to support local industries through the purchasing power of members.

## Promoting Local Industrial Revitalization

'Iine! Kanagawa' is an exclusive catalog for Pal System Kanagawa members that introduces products supporting Kanagawa's food and industries, as well as 'visible products' from production areas that promote exchange. Since 2017, the catalog has featured products under three themes: 'Local Production for Local Consumption,' 'Exchange,' and 'Social Contribution.'

'Local Production for Local Consumption' covers regional products made from Kanagawa agricultural or marine ingredients; 'Exchange' covers products from areas with direct purchase agreements with Pal System to foster interaction between users and producers; and 'Social Contribution' covers products that help resolve social issues such as welfare or environment.

With the addition of the new 'Local Support' theme, the catalog evolves into one that supports various industries in the prefecture and domestic exchange areas by introducing products manufactured by long-standing local businesses.

## Introducing Long-Standing Businesses with ~170 Years of History

For the inaugural 'Local Support' theme, the catalog introduces products from Iwai Sesame Oil Co., Ltd. (founded in 1857) and Kato Hyotaro Shoten (founded in 1850).

Iwai Sesame Oil is a long-established company that preserves traditional techniques. Skilled artisans carefully roast sesame seeds and use traditional pressing methods to extract oil, followed by a filtration process that takes over two weeks without the use of centrifuges, resulting in a flavorful amber-colored sesame oil.

Kato Hyotaro Shoten is one of the few producers in Japan to brew miso in wooden barrels. These barrels, in use for over 90 years, are inhabited by yeast and lactic acid bacteria that give the miso its unique flavor and richness. By steaming domestic soybeans, they seal in the umami and aroma, utilizing time-consuming, traditional brewing methods.

## Featuring 6th-Sector Products and Employment Support Goods

The catalog also introduces products such as processed citrus fruits and plums from Joy Farm Odawara, which has a direct purchase agreement with Pal System to promote member-producer exchanges. Members can also contribute to employment support for people with disabilities by purchasing products like dried shiitake mushrooms produced by 'Heart Coop Shonan,' a Type B employment continuous support office operated by Pal System Kanagawa's subsidiary, Heart Coop Kanagawa Co., Ltd.

Pal System Kanagawa remains committed to introducing products that support local industries, striving for sustainable production and consumption alongside its users.