We visited Matsuda Foods' factory, which produces inari. The factory where they make the aburaage, the key ingredient for inari, is very particular about water and is located deep in the mountains of Fukuchiyama. They also place great emphasis on the soybeans they use, opting for premium, non-GMO soybeans. The facility we visited this time is located in Osaka and is responsible for seasoning the inari.

The greatest appeal of Matsuda Foods is their offering of approximately 280 different flavors. We sampled yuzu, daidai, brown sugar, hot chili, and the normal variety, and the most impressive was the hot chili. It was a surprisingly spicy kick that was quite unexpected for inari, and as someone who is sensitive to heat, it left my tongue feeling quite hot.

Yuzu　　　　　　　　　　Brown sugar　　　Hot chili 　　　Orange

 

In recent years, the price of nori has surged due to poor harvests, leading to a nationwide decrease in its usage. Have you noticed that convenience stores are increasingly offering rice balls that don't use nori? At the inari factory I visited, they also use inari in ways similar to gunkan maki, as shown in the photo below. This method is being sold overseas and is gradually becoming more common in Japan as well.

This manufacturer handles not only inari but also warabi mochi, tteokbokki, and tuna yukhoe. Their group company sells "Frozen Mochi Inari" in plain, matcha, and chocolate flavors, and the plain variety has won the grand prize at a domestic food competition.

They can also accommodate private label products according to your needs, so please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

【Contact us】
Itabashi Trading Co., Ltd
Food Department　
TEL :+81-3-3248-1016（Workday 10:00～17:00）　
FAX :+81-3-3248-1008
Email: shokuhin@itabashi-trading.com