Maypro Group (Purchase, NY) has announced its partnership with Japan-based ITOCHU Corporation. As part of their strategic partnership, ITOCHU acquired a 25 percent stake in Maypro.

 “With Itochu’s support, we plan to expand our product offerings, pursue new geographic market opportunities, and develop new investment projects,” said May Yamada-Lifton, CEO of Maypro Group. “We are confident that this collaboration will fuel our growth trajectory and drive long-term value for our stakeholders.”

“By leveraging Maypro’s commitment to innovative, high quality natural products, ITOCHU looks to unlock new avenues for corporate expansion” added Toshiyuki Fukai, general manager at ITOCHU Corporation.  “With the ITOCHU Corporation’s global network, we will be able to offer market knowledge and resources to expand Maypro’s customer base. Our mutual experience in vertical integration should also support greater product and service offerings worldwide.”

The new partnership between Maypro and ITOCHU reflects the two companies’ mutual commitment to health, innovation and responsiveness to evolving global consumer needs. The two companies first geographic area of focus will be the United States which leads the global health food market with expected annual sales of $67.43 billion in 2024, representing 37 percent of global demand, according to Nutrition Business Journal. Maypro and ITOCHU will also seek to create new opportunities in Japan which has a growing aging population and a growing number of health-conscious consumers.  Finally, the partners will seek to expand in the high-growth and emerging markets including China, Southeast Asia and South America.

For more information, visit www.maypro.com or www.itochu.co.jp/en/index.html.