From Homemade Soup to Global Success: The Story of MSG and Ajinomoto

Do you remember the first time that your mom taught you how to cook a soup dish? After washing the vegetables and cutting them into bite-size pieces, you'd add them to the bubbling water and let them simmer for about seven minutes. Then came the chopped meat, adding richness to the broth. Just before turning off the stove, she would say to put in the MSG. Reaching for the familiar clear bag, adorned with bright red decorations and secured with a well-worn elastic, you'd wonder what magic the tiny crystals held. And when you tasted your first spoonful, you would be amazed by the savory, almost delicate flavor. It was as if a sprinkle of magic had infused the soup with a rich, satisfying taste. This ritual of adding MSG became an indispensable step in perfecting countless meals.

But we learned more about the mysterious ingredients and inspiring stories behind their creation only when we were adults. Our trip to one of the biggest companies in the world, Ajinomoto, taught us more about the origin of MSG and helped us appreciate the ingredients that gave our dish an unforgettable taste. 

FoundersDr. Kikunae Ikeda - Discoverer of UmamiSaburo Suke Suzuki II - Founder of the Ajinomoto Group

1. The origin

It all started in 1980, when Kikunae Ikeda, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University, was trying to isolate the distinct savory taste of kombu, a type of seaweed used in Japanese cooking. After endless experiments, he successfully isolated glutamic acid, and recognized it as the source of this unique flavor, which he named "umami”. He then patented a method to produce monosodium glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of glutamic acid, as a seasoning. His invention has helped not only the Japanese’s everyday meals to be more flavourful but also today's world. Seizing the opportunity to grow, Ikeda quickly partnered with Saburosuke Suzuki II to establish Ajinomoto, which means "essence of taste," to commercialize MSG. The company began producing and selling "Aji-No-Moto" brand MSG. Ajinomoto has since grown into a multinational food and biotechnology corporation, expanding its product range far beyond MSG. Today Ajinomoto is a global company producing many different food products, and also products within the pharmaceutical industry.

2. The trip to Ajinomoto

Before, we only knew about MSG as an ingredient, but now, we see it as the beginning of a big idea, a starting point that has changed our relationship with food. The trip to Ajinomoto also revealed the secret to sustained success. 

1. Commitment to Quality: They prioritize superior food production through meticulous hygiene, comprehensive employee training, and cutting-edge technology.

2. Sustainable Practices: Ajinomoto invests in advanced wastewater treatment and emphasizes environmental sustainability in all production processes.

3. Innovation and Customer Focus: The company continually pursues innovation and prioritizes customer needs.

4. Exceptional Workplace Environment: Ajinomoto boasts one of the most hospitable work environments in Southeast Asia. Through interviewing employees in the company, we got to know that Ajinomoto is a safe and comfortable workplace, so much so that it made them feel at home. Therefore, improving their work performance overall.

Through this trip, we have discovered many aspects that differentiate Ajinomoto from other worldwide companies which is also the main reason for their success. Not only did the company always prioritise their product’s quality, but their employees are also treated with care and respect. If all other companies in the world could implement this program into their system, we believe that their nation will rise significantly.

While countless lessons could be gleaned from this global leader, the most profound takeaway is that words and ideas can change the world. Even if you are insignificant at the moment, you can strive for a better version of yourself anytime and anyway. It only took one step at a time to walk down the long hallway to success. So dear readers, what step will you make today?