Morinaga: The journey in Vietnam

ELOVI, the Vietnamese manufacturer of beverages and yogurt, is going through many changes this year, to solidify its commitment to local consumers. After it became a member of Japan’s Morinaga Milk Group, it started operating under the banner of Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam (MNFV).

 

The Morinaga Milk Group is one of the leading companies in the dairy and nutrition industry in Japan, and has been exporting formula milk to Vietnam since 2010.  With MNFV under its wing, the Group also represents its commitment to contribute more to the Vietnamese market. By leveraging Morinaga Milk's extensive experience, advanced technology, MNFV is positioned to make a positive impact on the Vietnamese market and drive groundbreaking innovation in the region.

 

"We are excited to embark on this transformative journey," said Chihaya Takashi, General Director of MNFV, during the announcement of the company’s rebranding in March 2024. "Our mission is clear, to contribute to "wellness" through offering both "nutrition & deliciousness" by utilizing the advanced technology cultivated in Japan for over 100 years.”

 

He added: "Through the rebranding, we aim to deepen connections in the Vietnamese market. Our slogan embodies our aspiration to represent an extension of Morinaga Milk philosophy, fostering abundant smiles in Vietnamese daily life. This transformation also strengthens our employees' commitment to and execution of the mission, fostering a shared vision for a brighter future."

 

 

Japanese and Vietnamese engineers with products manufactured at the MNFV factory in Thai Nguyen

 

Nutrition and wellness for locals

MNFV’s research targets the nutritional gaps and health concerns of consumers, and aims to tailor a nutritional health map that will suit diverse consumer preferences based on age, habits, and cultural nuances.

 

In 2022, the company established a Healthcare business team to distribute Morinaga Milk Industry Group's healthcare products from Japan, broadening access to a wider range of high-quality Japanese products for Vietnamese consumers.

 

Its sustainability initiatives meanwhile aim to address emerging health challenges while ensuring a brighter and healthier future for local consumers. Aligned with this vision, MNFV has adopted the slogan "For Better Wellness," emphasizing not just physical health but also well-being of people.

 

MNFV’s products include Climeal Nutritional Drink, which contains 10 billion postbiotics LAC-Shield®, exclusively registered by the Morinaga Milk Group. The beverage contains 27 vitamins and minerals, high calcium, protein and fiber, and 10 billion LAC shield. The well-balanced nutrition content provides energy and immune support. 

 

 

Climea nutritional drink contains 27 vitamins & minerals, high calcium & protein & fiber, 10 billion LAC shield, which provide high energy, high nutrition and immune support.

 

The premium dairy, Morinaga Zero-Fat Yogurt is produced following Japanese recipes and strict quality standards.

 

 

Other innovative products are also imported from Japan. The Nutritional Powder Milk Plus said to be the No.1 brand of powdered milk for adults in Japan is enriched with essential nutrients such as lactoferrin, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, LAC-Shield®, and other essential minerals, specially formulated for adults.

 

Tsururinko Quickly is a revolutionary food thickener made for people with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. With this product, the thickness of food and beverages such as tea and water, can be adjusted. The BB536 Probiotics Powder, a product developed since the discovery of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in 1969, facilitates the supplementation of probiotics for the intestines, enhancing the microbiological system.

 

Commitment to quality and sustainability

The MNFV factory is operated and controlled according to international standards including FSSC 22000, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45000:2018, ISO 9001:2015. The facility incorporates state-of-the-art technology from global leaders for packaging and liquid food processing. In June 2024, MNFV's "Morinaga Fat Zero Yogurt" and "LAC-Shield®" were received the 'Asia Top Brand Award 2024' and 'Asia Quality Products and Service 2024' awards.

 

The company has also presented several key sustainability initiatives to enhance its environmental footprint and operational efficiency. One significant step is the plan to develop a 938kWp rooftop solar power system in partnership with Marubeni Green Power Vietnam. This initiative is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 610 tons annually and grid power dependency.

 

Additionally, MNFV has switched to a 7,000kg steam/ hour capacity biomass steam system, using wood pellets to replace diesel oil, resulting in a 30-60% cost reduction and reducing GHG emissions. Biodegradable materials such as paper boxes and biomass-blended caps are used for its packaging (Climeal, Zero Fat Drinking Yogurt), thereby minimizing environmental impact.

 

In line with the Morinaga Milk Group's sustainability management policy, MNFV has developed specific issues to be addressed and action plans for the Vietnamese market. Its new sustainability management consists of four pillars and nine key issues.

 

The four pillars consist of Food and Wellness, Resources and the Environment, People and Society, and Governance and Risk Management, which are linked to business activities. Based on the Action Plan, concrete actions have also been initiated, for example, the "decision to install solar panels in the factory" and "conducting a human rights impact assessment" in the first quarter of 2024.

 

 

In April, the company also launched a short-term training program on sustainability management for the next generation - university students. "Companies need to engage in dialogue not only with our customers and business partners, but also with our various stakeholders. In particular, the younger generation will be the future leaders of Vietnamese society, and it is essential for management to listen to their opinions," said Uechi.

 

Having incorporated the principles of sustainability and social responsibility across its business, MNFV will continue to advance by objectively reviewing performance, optimizing its mid-to-long-term sustainability plan as needed, and proactively communicating progress across stakeholders.

 

Mr. Cao Van Kien, Executive Director of Production Division at Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam, shared: As a company providing dairy and nutritional products, we set our greatest responsibility to improve the health of the community for a happy and healthy life. With superior technology, modern infrastructure, and successful products from our parent company, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., MNFV confidently aims towards the goal of responsible business, contribute to wellness for the community and become the leading food company in Vietnam. MNFV also follows Morinaga Milk's global sustainable development policy with environmentally friendly production activities, realizing our commitment to responsible investment in Vietnam.”