Ajinomoto Food Ingredients has expanded its North America headquarters in Chicago by adding food product development capabilities. The Application Center North America was dedicated on August 3, 2009.
According to the company, the ACNA mission is to develop and expand food and beverage applications for Ajinomoto technologies. Four food technology applications will be the initial focus of the Center: salt reduction, sugar replacement, textural improvement, and incorporation of ingredients to improve health.
Ajinomoto Food Ingredients LLC opened its Chicago office in 2004, a move from its prior location in Paramus, New Jersey. The ACNA includes a new analytical laboratory with state-of-the-art HPLC. Leading the Center is Jiro Sakamoto, Executive Director, Business Development & Application Innovation, who has been with Ajinomoto for 22 years. Sakamoto will be supported by four food development scientists who bring a combined 100 years of food product development knowledge.