Ajinomoto

Ajinomoto was founded in 1917. Aji-no-moto translates to 'The origin of taste.' 'Aji' meaning taste and 'moto' meaning origin or source. The company name also shares its name with the first product that they started to sell in 1909 before the company was founded. The name is fitting as their first product was a MSG seasoning which gives food a 'umami' taste. The popularity of this product helped the company expand into the global market. Ajinomoto now produce a wide range of Japanese food products such as instant noodles, dashi powders and gyoza.