Japanese seafood leader Maruha Nichiro is embarking on a significant rebranding initiative, announcing plans to change its trade name to Umios Corp. effective from 1 March 2026.
This strategic evolution is contingent upon shareholder approval at the ordinary general meeting scheduled for 25 June. It aligns with the company’s long-term vision and mid-term management plan entitled ‘For the Ocean, For Life 2027’.
In their official statement, Maruha Nichiro emphasized that they “will aim for sustainable growth under a new identity and transform itself into a ‘solution company’ that co-creates value with various stakeholders and solves social issues through food.”
To achieve this, the company has outlined a strategic roadmap extending to 2035, which focuses on developing a “value cycle that enables consumer-driven, sustainable value creation.”
The firm intends to leverage its expertise in resource procurement, food processing, and supply chain management in order to generate “unique” added value through sustainable protein and “creating health value.”
This approach is designed for global expansion while maintaining a localized focus.
Additionally, Maruha Nichiro is refining its business portfolio by prioritizing sustainable ventures and investing in downstream operations to support its vision.
The mid-term plan, which spans fiscal years 2026 to 2028, seeks to build the value cycle and promote the innovative glocal approach.
In the short term, Maruha Nichiro is committed to fostering a “culture of challenge” and co-creation, while simultaneously enhancing “profitability and capital efficiency.”
Over the next decade, the company aims to derive over 70% of its ordinary income from international operations.
Based in Tokyo, Maruha Nichiro also aspires to achieve a return on invested capital (ROIC) of at least 7%, securing a spot among the world’s top ten meat and seafood protein providers by market capitalization.
By the end of fiscal year 2028, the company targets Y40bn ($265.8m) in operating income, a ROIC of 5%, and over Y140bn in growth investments.
In its most recent full-year financials to March 2024, the publicly-listed company reported a 1% increase in net revenue, reaching Y1.03tn. Notably, profit attributable to shareholders surged by 12.1% to Y20.8bn.
However, operating income saw a decline of 10.3%, dropping to Y26.5bn.
In February, Maruha Nichiro released year-to-date results for fiscal 2025, which encompassed the nine months leading to 31 December.
Net sales experienced a 5.2% increase, totaling Y828.1bn, while profit attributable rose by 3.6% to Y23.2bn.
Additionally, operating income improved by 9.8% to reach Y27.8bn.
