Morinaga Milk set to close its Hiroshima subsidiary production in 2027

JAPAN – Morinaga Milk, a Japanese dairy manufacturer, has announced plans to suspend production at its Hiroshima subsidiary in March 2027, with the company set to be formally dissolved six months later.

The move forms part of Morinaga Milk’s wider operational restructuring strategy under its Medium-Term Business Plan 2025-28, which prioritises production efficiency and manufacturing network optimisation as key structural reforms.

Production at the Hiroshima facility is scheduled to cease on 31 March 2027, with the legal dissolution of the company expected on 30 September 2027.

In a statement, Morinaga Milk said the decision follows ongoing efforts to streamline operations and strengthen its business base amid challenging market conditions and increasing pressure to improve manufacturing productivity.

Located in Hiroshima City’s Asakita ward, the facility has operated since 1959 and currently manufactures ice cream and yogurt products. The plant spans more than 26,000 square metres and employs 58 people, including seconded and contract employees.

Morinaga Milk highlights benefits of probiotics in infant formula

In 2024, the company highlighted the benefits of adding specific probiotic strains to infant formula. 

According to clinical studies done by the company, incorporating these probiotics into infant nutrition can notably reduce the risk of infant ill health and allergies while supporting improved long-term health outcomes.

The research also revealed that a healthy infant microbiome, rich in bifidobacteria, not only mitigates the risk of developing allergic diseases and conditions but also enhances immune system development, digestive health, and reduces the likelihood of obesity.

Morinaga Milk’s extensive research underscores the importance of bifidobacteria in promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

In its whitepaper, “It’s Time to Rethink Probiotics for Infant Use,” Morinaga Milk advocates for selecting specific HRB strains such as B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve, and B. bifidum for inclusion in infant food products. 

These strains, found in breast milk, drive the colonization of beneficial gut bacteria in infants, enhancing their health outcomes.

Minami noted that many infant formula brands now include lactoferrin to boost immunity and HMOs as prebiotics, responding to consumer demand for enhanced nutritional benefits. 

The combination of these probiotics with other functional ingredients is a key consideration in product innovation.

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