Creating Tanegashima's Future Industry from Annou Imo. The Challenge of "taneco," a Family-Run Farm Brand of Three | April Dream

## Our Dream, Started by Annou Imo Farmers
Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to express dreams.
This press release is the dream of taneco Co., Ltd.

taneco Co., Ltd. (Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture) is a small company of three family members that started as Annou Imo farmers.
Under the philosophy of "Good things, good deeds, from Tanegashima," we have been working on product development, brand building, and nationwide sales, leveraging the value of Tanegashima's agricultural products, especially Annou Imo.

## Annou Imo is famous, but its "Tanegashima origin" is still not widely known.
Annou Imo is a representative specialty product of Tanegashima and an agricultural product with many fans nationwide.
However, we have strongly felt a certain challenge at various events and sales sites.
That is the reality that "Annou Imo = originated in Tanegashima is still not widely known."
Even though "Tanegashima Annou Imo" has acquired GI certification, it is not uncommon for people to be surprised and say, "Oh, really?" when we explain that Annou Imo originated in Tanegashima at actual sales sites.
That is why we want to re-deliver the value of Annou Imo itself to the world.

"Tanegashima Annou Imo" is registered under the GI (Geographical Indication Protection System) as an agricultural product linked to its regional name and quality.

## We have shaped the potential of Annou Imo
At taneco, while cherishing our origins as farmers, we have repeatedly undertaken initiatives such as:
・Sales of Annou Imo (raw sweet potatoes)
・Processing into baked sweet potatoes
・Commercialization of dried sweet potatoes utilizing off-spec Annou Imo
・Brand building
・Nationwide sales
Through these efforts, we have given concrete form to the value of Annou Imo.

Furthermore, we have found new roles for ingredients that were previously overlooked, such as:
・Development of "Annou Imo Okoshi" utilizing off-spec Annou Imo
・Provision of raw materials for craft beer
And have engaged in collaborations with other industries.
Through each of these initiatives, we feel that the value of Annou Imo is gradually expanding.

Value created by processing: "Tanegashima-born Annou Baked Sweet Potato"
Product utilizing off-spec items: "Uneven Annou Imo Dried Baked Sweet Potato"
Product born from co-creation: "Annou Imo Okoshi [taneco × OKOSHIYA]"

Through these accumulated efforts, our challenge extends beyond merely selling Annou Imo.

## The Future of taneco, Expanding from Annou Imo
Starting with Annou Imo, we have worked on product development, utilization of off-spec resources, creation of nationwide sales channels, and collaborations with other industries.
The know-how we have cultivated through these efforts can be applied not only to Annou Imo but also to various other agricultural products and specialty products of Tanegashima.
We want to re-examine the charm of each ingredient, bring out its value, and re-edit it as a product and a brand.
Through such initiatives, we want to deliver the value of Tanegashima to more people in a way that is unique to taneco.
By expanding this challenge, which began with Annou Imo, to the entire island of Tanegashima, we aim to create a new form of industry on this island.
That is the future we envision.

"Good things, good deeds, from Tanegashima."
Because we are still a small family-run farm brand of three, we will proceed step by step, without rushing.
Together with like-minded partners, we will connect the value of this island to the future.

taneco's products, which have given shape to the value of Annou Imo.

## About taneco Co., Ltd.
taneco Co., Ltd. is a family-run farm and food brand operated by three family members in Tanegashima, the birthplace of Annou Imo.
We consistently handle everything from cultivation to processing, product development, and sales of Annou Imo, continuously working to maximize its value.
We have acquired "Kagoshima Agricultural and Fishery Product Certification (K-GAP)" and thoroughly implement cultivation management in accordance with its standards.
We are also a member of the "Annou Imo Brand Promotion Headquarters" and are working to improve quality and brand value in cooperation with the local community.
Our fields and storage facilities are adjacent to our living space, and our day begins with daily inspections.
By carefully monitoring the condition of the sweet potatoes even after harvest, our daily life of "living with Annou Imo" itself supports its quality.
Because we are small-scale, we can oversee every single process, pursuing safety, security, and deliciousness.
Based on these efforts, we deliver products that expand the potential of Annou Imo nationwide, such as:
・Tanegashima-born Annou Baked Sweet Potato
・Uneven Annou Imo Dried Baked Sweet Potato
・Aged Tanegashima Annou Imo (raw sweet potato)
・Annou Imo Okoshi [taneco × OKOSHIYA]
We also collaborate with local contract farmers to handle specialty products from Tanegashima, such as passion fruit and purple sweet potatoes, disseminating the charm of the region.
Through these accumulated efforts, we will enhance the value of Annou Imo and connect it to new industries on Tanegashima.

## Company Profile
Company Name: taneco Co., Ltd.
Representative: Kenji Nishikado, Representative Director
Location: 2906 Kunigami, Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima Prefecture 891-3222
Business Activities: Cultivation, processing, and sales of Tanegashima Annou Imo, and sales of Tanegashima specialty products.
Official Website: https://www.taneco.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taneco.official

[Contact Information for this matter]
taneco Co., Ltd.
TEL: 090-1434-4878 (Reception hours: 10:00-17:00 / Excluding weekends and holidays)
E-mail: taneco1831@gmail.com