We at the Oenon Group are guided by our Corporate Group Philosophy in conducting our biotechnology-based business, which focuses on fermentation technologies. Our top priority is maintaining an infrastructure that delivers safe and secure products as we remain oriented toward customers and profits. We also work to maximize the Oenon Group’s corporate value and quality of management through co-creation of future value.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded our highest level of net sales to date. As everyone knows, consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, and the demand shift toward inexpensive products and frugal spending continues. By offering products that meet such needs, the Group has been able to increase sales even when the market continues to shrink.
We saw a particularly robust increase in sales of products that feature a blend of kou-type and otsu-type shochu. Functionally specific chu-hi product offerings remained popular, as did our Highball series. Another reason for the increase in sales was our aggressive development of store-brand products.
Sales from our enzymes and pharmaceuticals and bioethanol businesses also improved, each reaching their highest levels ever.
In 2011, we will continue to operate in line with our customer-focused approach, through which we offer the product value that customers demand. In the alcoholic beverages segment, we are introducing many new products and offering new value, in response to diverse customer needs. We will also continue to place particular focus on sake and store-brand products.
We are developing our enzymes and pharmaceuticals business along the themes of health and the environment. We will be placing particular focus on the enzymes and bulk pharmaceuticals categories, with the goals of increasing revenues and expanding business.
We expect to hit our targets for all of our businesses, including alcoholic beverages, and to increase net sales and profits.
I ask for your ongoing support and encouragement of these endeavors.
April 2011
Yukio Nagai, President & CEO
Oenon Holdings, Inc.
