Enrich the lives
of people around
the world through food

Based on this corporate philosophy,
UFI will contribute to realizing a sustainable society
through its business activities.

We have been making steady progress in the areas of environment, society, and governance under our Purpose of “contributing to the sustainable development of society”. Even in an era of accelerated change, we strive to further generate social value by building upon practices we have cultivated over the years. On the environmental front, we are promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through increased use of renewable energy and energy-saving facilities. On the social front, we employ the fundamentals of respect for diversity and inclusivity and are focused on creating a workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds can flourish regardless of gender, age, or nationality. Furthermore, whether educational support or stronger support system in the face of disasters, we are deepening our ties with local communities and are expanding initiatives that bring harmony to those communities we serve. As a company with genuine interest in addressing global issues, we are committed to realizing a better future by combining our company’s technological and front-line capabilities. As we move forward together with our stakeholders, we sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.

Hiroyuki Aoki,President

Efforts by the UFI Group to address social issues

The UFI Group is making concerted efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2050 carbon neutrality, which are common global issues, as well as to contribute to the community around our facilities and sponsor events related to the education of the next generation.
These activities are based on our basic stance of “contributing to society through our business activities” to realize a sustainable society.
In addition, by utilizing ESG management that addresses the three core factors – “Environment,” “Social,” and “Governance” -, we strive to contribute to solving social issues while simultaneously increasing corporate value,- so that we can be part of building a society where sustainable development is possible.

ESG policy

The UFI Group’s ESG philosophy is to contribute to the sustainable development of society by implementing its corporate philosophy through honest and fair business activities.

  • We will identify various environmental and social issues from a global perspective, not just from a Japanese perspective.
    As a result, we will create and provide value to solve them through our business activities.
  • We will constantly assess the impact of our business processes on both the environment and the society, and will continue to make improvements to spread positive impact to the society.
  • We will constantly review our activities to ensure that we respond appropriately to society’s requests through communication with stakeholders.

UFI Group
sustainability targets

Expanding contributions in six areas Honest and fair business activities (CSR)+ Business activities aimed at long-term growth (ESG)

 
Installation of Carbon Neutral Vending Machines

  • 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
  • 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 13 Climate Action
  • 15 Life on land

Construction begins on new kindergarten in Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam

  • 1 NO POVERTY
  • 4 QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 5 GENDER EQUALITY
  • 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
  • 16 PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

Development of Upcycled Food Products

  • 1 No poverty
  • 2 Zero hunger
  • 6 Clean Water and sanitation
  • 12 Responsible consumption and production
  • 15 Life on land

Promotion of Diversity and Value of Impartiality

  • 1 No poverty
  • 2 Zero hunger
  • 3 Good health and well-being
  • 5 Gender equality
  • 8 Decent work and economic growth
  • 10 Reduced inequalities

Initiatives for the 2025 Fiscal Year

Installation of Carbon Neutral Vending Machines

Based on a yearly energy usage of vending machines that corresponds to the Renewal Energy Non-Fossil Certificate*, we are installing carbon neutral vending machines that can achieve real zero CO2 exhaust during their operating hours.

Electricity for Vending Machine Operation+Non-Fossil Certificate=Electricity produced through renewable energy. Net 0 CO2 Exhaust!

Construction begins on new kindergarten in Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam

According to the interim census results released by the General Statistics Office (GSO) of Vietnam in January 2025, Vietnam’s population, which was in the 30 million range in the 1960s, grew at an average annual rate of 1 million and surpassed 100 million by January 2025, making Vietnam the third most populated country in Southeast Asia. On the other hand, Vietnam is facing a serious shortage of daycare centers, especially in urban areas, and low income households are put in dire straits. UFI Group utilizes Vietnamese watermelons in the production of “Watermelon Juice” for its own SONOMA GARDEN FOODS brand. This project aims to build a sustainable working relationship with producers and to improve the living standards of those producers through efforts including construction support of kindergartens in Vietnam (opening ceremony held in February 2025).

Development of Upcycled Food Products

Up-cycling food is part of creating a society focused on recycling and a low waste environment through the creation of new products through value-added materials otherwise seen as waste products from ingredients and meals. Right now, we’re working on developing a dressing made We will constantly review our activi- from onions.
UPCYCLE

Promotion of Diversity and Value of Impartiality

  • Recruitment of people with diverse backgrounds
  • Thorough implementation of equal pay, for equal work
  • Realization of gender equality
  • Increase in the percentage of female managers
Percentage of employees taking parental leave in FY2024,Trend of Female Managers

Activities of the Humming Bird
Future Foundation

The UFI Group supports the philosophy of the Humming Bird Future Fund and is engaged in social contribution activities to realize a sustainable society.

1 No Poverty、2 Zero Hunger、3 Good Health and Well-Being、4 Quality Education、Humming Bird

Activities of the Humming Bird Future Foundation (former Children’s Future Fund)

  • 2013

    August
    Fund-raising commenced for Japan Guide Dog Association.
  • 2017

    May
    Promoter kick-off meeting started for Kodomo Mirai Kikin (Children’s Future Fund).
    June
    Support began for children in need of special surgeries for repair of cleft lips and palates.
    Donations given to NPO Tokyo Smile Foundation.
    December
    Meeting of promoters resulted in donations to support the activities of Tohto Club Keiyo Boys.
    December
    Donations began to support the activities of the Lilac Boys and Girls Choir.
  • 2018

    March
    Second round donations to support the Lilac Boys and Girls Choir.
    July
    Support for children affected by heavy rain in eastern Japan Japan
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2018 Mirai wo Ninau Watashitachi no Shucho (Youth Advocacy Competition).
    Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education,
    Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
  • 2019

    January
    Renamed Kodomo Mirai Kikin (Children’s Future Fund) to Humming Bird Future Fund.
    February
    Second round of donations to support children in need of special surgeries for repair of cleft lips and palates.
    Donations given to NPO Tokyo Smile Foundation.
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2019 Mirai wo Ninau Watashitachi no Shucho (Youth Advocacy Competition).
    Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education,
    Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
    September
    Guide Dog Training Fund established during UFI USA’s 30-year anniversary party.
  • 2020

    2020 February
    1. Support for children in need of special surgeries for repair of cleft lips and palates. Donated to NPO Tokyo Smile Foundation.
    2. Create a society in which no one is left behind – Support for children’s cafeterias.
      Donated to NPO Musubie National Children’s Restaurant Support Center.
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2020 Mirai wo Ninau Watashitachi no Shucho (Youth Advocacy Competition).
    Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education,
    Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
    November
    Donated to support Asahien, a facility for the disabled (Kagawa Prefecture) : for the introduction of welfare vehicles for transportation
  • 2021

    April
    Donated Japan-made surgical masks by UFI Life Science Co., Ltd.
    to Tsuchiura Kyodo Hospital, Ryugasaki Saiseikai Hospital, and Kohei Hospital
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2021 Saitama Prefecture Youth Advocacy Competition.
    Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education,
    Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
  • 2022

    March
    Charity fair at Fancy Foods Factory Outlet Store ( March 23 – 25 ) where a portion of proceeds was donated.
  • 2023

    May
    Received a commendation from Governor Motohiro Ono of Saitama for contributions made to the Youth Advocacy Saitama Convention Fundraiser for 5 consecutive years.
    感謝状授与の様子
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2023 Saitama Prefecture Youth Advocacy Competition.
  • 2024

    February
    Donated funds to the NPO Smiles from Tokyo to Asia.
    August
    Co-sponsored FY2024 Saitama Prefecture Youth Advocacy Competition
    October
    Donated to Japan Guide Dog Association
  • 2025

    January
    Donated to support Asahien, a facility for the disabled (Kagawa Prefecture)

Other contributions to society

  • Donations to pediatric cancer patients and patient family support group, Minna no Lemonade no Kai
  • Donations of baseballs to the Tokyo Club Keiyo Boys, part of the Japan Baseball Federation
  • Donations to 3Keys, NPO supporting children suffering from abuse and poverty