Press Release
Grain Yield Increase and Disaster Reduction by “Fen long” Technology Invented in China Contributing to Improve the Better Future of Human Being
Editor’s Note:
In recent years, natural disasters such as drought and waterlogging occur frequently. Climate warming has triggered various disasters that affect existence, which has brought unprecedented challenges to grain production, ecological environment and world peace maintenance. “Fen long” technology, the new method of farming invented by Wei Benhui, the Chinese inventor, can help to solve these problems in the world to a certain extent and make the human future better by multiple using “5 kinds of resources”, soil and its cubic natural rainfall, oxygen, temperature, humidity and solar energy.
In August 2021, the yield of highland barley in the saline-alkali soil, which was transformed by “smash-ridging” technology in Zangzhong Village, Zhaqi Town, Zhanang County, Shannan City, Tibet, China, the roof of the world, increased by 38.67%. The highland barley yield of smash ridging sand soil farmland in Kemai Community, Changzhu Township, Naidong District, increased by 1121.73 kg, with 25.43% of increase range, and the straw yield also increased by more than 20%. Peng Xinhua, the researcher of Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences has implemented smash-ridging sweet potato experiment in Jiangxi Province, and the result was that the yield increased by 89% to 117%. The maximum production increase of wheat of heavy coast saline-alkali soil in Dongying City, Shandong Province was 154.22% after being transformed by “smash-ridging” technology. The production increase of cotton of heavy saline-alkali soil in Yuli County, Xinjiang Autonomous Region was yet 81.17% in the fourth year after being transformed by “smash-ridging” technology. Over the past decade, “smash-ridging” technology was applied to nearly 50 kinds of crops such as rice, corn and wheat in 28 provinces such as Guangxi and Xinjiang, and no more rich water, pesticide or other production costs was required while the production increase was generally 10% to 50%, the quality was improved by 5% and the increase production in saline-alkali soil was 20% to 100% after transformation. Experts estimated that, the natural disaster such as waterlogging, drought, high temperature and low temperature may be reduced by more than 20%, and soil environment improvement,and crop biomass increase will reduce carbon by more than 10% and increase ground air humidity by 10%.
Invented by Wei Benhui from Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, “smash-ridging” technology is a major new method of farming, which can realize a new round of production increase, quality improvement, water conservation, disaster reduction, carbon reduction and sustainable development of agriculture and contribute to widen the space of human existence and development.
In March 2021, “smash-ridging” technology was shown on the world’s No. 1 screen in Times Square, which stated that the smash ridging agricultural machinery and smash ridging farming that would not mess the soil layers for ultra deep ploughing had broken through worldwide problems such as “physical” production increase of agriculture and physical transformation of saline-alkali soil. “Smash-ridging” technology which has shocked the world is common technology, common welfare and common wealth of all mankind.
The advert of “smash-ridging” technology marks that the world has ushered in a very rare new agricultural revolution. The technology is simple, widely applied and sustainable for hundreds of years. It has realized increase of grain production and decrease of disaster to benefit human being.
1. Creating subversive fifth farming mode, which is worldwide used
“Smash-ridging” technology is named after vertical burying, high-speed rotary-cut smash soil, ridge and suspend by using spiral, hollow and other “drill” farming tools invented by Wei Benhui, instead of the “plow” which has been used for 5,500 years. “Smash-ridging” technology has become the fifth efficient farming mode after slash-and-burn cultivation, man power, animal power and tractor ploughing in the history of human farming. “Smash-ridging” technology structured “smash-ridging agriculture” technology system that matches smash-ridging agricultural machinery, smash-ridging farming and smash-ridging cultivation and overturned traditional farming way and agricultural production technical philosophy by using the scientific concept of “ultra deep ploughing and deep loosening the soil without messing the soil layers”. The worldwide universal technology expands the space for human existence and development, and its scientific connotation and characteristics are as below:
First of all, fully excavate natural resource utilization that the earth feeds human being. With 5 kinds of natural resources, soil, the grain producer which the mankind survives on, natural rainfall, oxygen, temperature and humidity and solar energy, once more multiple positive utilization can be realized on the basis of existent farming and agricultural utilization to promote a new round of agricultural production increase, quality improvement, water conservation, disaster reduction, carbon drop and sustainable development.
Secondly, trigger deepening utilization of the surface soil of earth with a light force. Loosened soil increases several times over., and most of soil is granular, and granular structure surface is smooth. Unit weight decreases by 10% to 20%, and available nutrient increases by 10% to 30%. Basic fertility improves by 10% to 30%, and applying quantity of chemical fertilizer for planting crop can reduce by more than 10%.
Thirdly, create cultivated land reservoir with loosened soil and expanded volume. Natural rainfall reserves approximately double, which provides conditions for human being to utilize rainwater and snow water again. Soil porosity enlarges approximately and oxygen increase approximately by one time. Soil microbial community and quantity increase by almost multiple times.
Fourthly, create soil ecological environment that is suitable for crop growth. Smash ridging cultivation requires soil ecological environment with balanced water, fertilizer, gas and heat. The crop takes roots in the earlier stage, strengthens in the medium stage and becomes powerful in the later stage. It features production increase and quality improvement with resistant to drought, high and low temperature. The root system is particularly developed with fibrous root increasing and activity strengthening. The photosynthetic efficiency improves by 10% to 30%, and the stress resistance such as drought and high and low temperature improves by approximately 20%, while biomass increases by 20% to 30%.
Fifthly, create suitable environment for crops based on ecological conditions in which high agricultural yield is still available and consumption of agricultural “chemicals” is achievable even the consumption of fertilizer and pesticide can be reduced by more than 10% and some plastic mulch can be reduced. Some of polluted soil can be “purified itself”. For example, reduction of heavy metal pollution (reduction of cadmium content of rice) is a physical effect that other chemical means can hardly match.
Sixthly, realize no ecological area or crop variety limit. Almost all crops and some traditional Chinese medicinal materials in rice field, dry land and even saline-alkali soil can be applied to from Hainan Province at low latitude (18°N) to Xinjiang and Heilongjiang at high latitude (45° to 50°N), from Beihai of Guangxi at low altitude (10 to 15 metres) to Shigatse of Tibet at high altitude (over 4,000 metres), which indicates that there is no obvious limit on ecological area or crop variety, and it can be generally used in the world.
2. Application in China’s cultivated land and saline-alkali soil in 2021, with outstanding results
Test on smash ridging has been implemented in many places of China, and the result showed that comparing with traditional cultivation, the yield of rice increased by 15.5%, that of corn increased by 12.26%, and that of peanut increased by 8.05% with no fertilization.
“Smash ridging” technology has been applied to 50 kinds of crops such as rice, corn, wheat and potato in 28 provinces all over China for more than a decade, and production increase achieved 10% to 50%, and production increase in saline-alkali soil after being transformed achieved 20% to 100% with no increasing fertilization or irrigation volume. There are many cases of production increase in various places. In Yuanjiang City of Hunan Province, yield of smash ridging rice increased by 26.5% in that year, and it still increased by 12% in the fourth year after the first smash ridging cultivation. The yield of smash ridging wheat in Fuping, Shaanxi Province increased by 29.9%, and that of the second crop of corn increased by 34.89%. The average production increase of rained farming sugarcane was 32.5%.
In 2021, the cases of production increase with “smash-ridging” technology occurred frequently, and the results are outstanding.
Firstly, rice production continuously increases with “smash-ridging” technology. Yaoguao Town, Longhui County, Hunan Province used to be the breakthrough point where Academician Yuan Longping’s hybrid rice yields reached 900 kg per mu. In April 2014, “smash-ridging” cultivation was implemented, and the yield of hybrid rice increased by 25% in that year. It has been the 8th year since “smash ridging” technology was implemented, but the yield of hybrid rice is expected to increase by 10% or so. The yield of second crop of rice after rice smash ridging was implemented in Yongan Village, Shifu Town, Nanning City, Guangxi Autonomous Region increased by 9.5%.
Secondly, smash ridging water conservation and continuous high yield lasted for many years. In 2021, the third year after “smash-ridging” technology was implemented in Yanshan, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, the yield of wheat with water conservation increased by 18% with irrigation reduction by nearly 2,000 cubic metres per hectare. In 2021, the sixth year after “smash-ridging” technology was implemented in Fanjiazhai Village, Guyang Town, Lankao County, Henan Province, the yield of wheat increased by 10.3%.
Thirdly, “smash-ridging” agriculture and saline alkali soil transformation in highland region. As previous statement, the yield of highland barley of saline alkali soil in Tibet, the roof of the world, increased by 38.67%, that of highland barley of sand soil cultivated land with “smash-ridging” technology increased by 25.43%, that of highland barley straw increased by more than 20%, which can effectively solve the problem of lack of grain and feed in Tibet.
Fourthly, the history of high yield of sugarcane in a large area with “smash-ridging” technology was made. “Smash-ridging” technology “145” demonstration base for planting sugarcane was built in Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences. On March 6, 2021, upon experts’ acceptance, it increased by 38.3% than conventional cultivation. “Smash-ridging” technology “145” demonstration in Binyang of Guangxi, is expected to make history of green ecological high yield of sugarcane in a large area with entire mechanization to bring a sample for China’s and the world’s sugarcane planting technology.
3. Increasing grain yield and decreasing disaster by conforming to the nature, and all the mankind getting a better future
The best living quality and survival and development environment with abundant and tasteful food, fresh air and visible blue sky and cloud are mankind’s good wishes.
The earth is endowed with 5 kinds of inexhaustible natural resources, soil and its stereoscopic spatial natural rainfall, oxygen, temperature and humidity and solar energy. Soil is the “producer” of grain and other agricultural products the human being survives on and the “regulator” of natural environment to relieve drought, waterlogging and other natural disasters. In order to realize the above dreams, human being has to profoundly comprehend and properly utilize the “5 kinds of natural resources”, which is the fundamental obedience to the rules of resource utilization for mankind’s survival. For a country, the more proper utilization rate of “the 5 kinds of natural resources” of the stereoscopic space, the more secure grain and ecology in the country, the more fortunate of national life, which is also in this way for all the world and all the mankind.
The core of “smash-ridging” technology is to multiply sound utilization of the above “5 kinds of natural resources”. Its pioneering scientific contribution is based on the principle of “ultra deep cultivation and deep loosening (by utilizing the soil resources of plough sole which human being has not utilized yet), loosening soil at original site, granular soil, once off completion of soil preparation., and no tillage or light tillage for conservation tillage for years”. Meanwhile, “smash-ridging” technology is almost applied to various land resources including cultivated land and saline alkali soil so that agricultural available resources have expanded substantially. Furthermore, yield increase can be maintained with properly reducing fertilization. Additionally, it is easy to popularize and apply, and it is merely to replace tractor “plough” cultivation with smash ridging “drill”. Rice field is 25 cm deep, and dry land is 35 cm deep, and saline alkali soil is 40 cm deep. Expected effect is achievable with no excessive input or technical instruction required.
Wei Benhui said that invention of spiral and hollow “drill” tillage implements would certainly bring a major change of tillage implements and modernization of series products of smash ridging agricultural machinery equipment. The world will usher in great new times of “smash-ridging agriculture”.
According to expert’s estimates, if 1 billion mu of farmland and 300 million saline alkali land are cultivated in China, 130 billion kg of grain can be increased every year and 300 to 400 million more people can be fed. If land “smash-ridging” technology is implemented in 50% of farmland in the world, yield of grain can be increased and more people can be fed.
With “smash-ridging” technology, 40 to 50 cubic metres of natural rainfall reserve can be increased for cultivated land per mu, and drought, waterlogging and other disasters can be reduced. Recently, heavy waterlogging occurred in Henan Province. Because light tillage is carried out in most of cultivate land (most of loosened soil of plough layer is 12 to 15 cm), the soil of button layer is compacted and moves upward due to rolling by tractor wheels for years. Adding the road extension and ground hardening in the villages, there is no more place for water reservation. If “smash ridging” technology is implemented in half of cultivated land, such affect of rainstorm can be reduced greatly. Also, with improving smash ridging soil environment and significant increasing crop biomass, the goals including carbon reduction, peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutralization can be achieved early, and global warming can be relived greatly.
“Smash-ridging agriculture” and its entire production technology system invented and created by Wei Benhui have surpassed the existent agricultural production mode and have been affirmed and supported by Yuan Longping and other more than 10 Chinese academicians. The technology system has been practiced to almost all crop varieties from low latitude to high latitude and from low altitude to high altitude. It can be popularized globally and is expected to be a new mainstream technology in the world to lead the trend of agricultural cultivation development. The future will be better for all mankind. (Written by Heng Yi)
[Character Introduction]
Wei Benhui, the inventor of “smash-ridging” technology, Chinese cultivation expert, secondary researcher of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has acquired 21 achievements in sugarcane, Chinese yam, potato, cassava and “smash-ridging” technology, 18 national, provincial and ministerial awards, 15 invention patents. He has bred 26 new varieties of Chinese yam. Additionally, he has published 10 works such as China’s Ecology for Grain Increase with Smash Ridging Alive Soil and Chinese Yam Cultivation as well as more than 170 papers. He has won the titles of National Outstanding Scientific and Technological Worker of China, Special Allowance Expert of the State Council, Guangxi Excellent Expert, Guangxi Outstanding Contribution Expert, Guangxi Most Beautiful Scientific and Technological worker, etc.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Reopens on September 29, 2026, Bringing Shinjuku Culture to Life Through Design
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku blends Shinjuku Sanchome’s unique culture and nostalgic streetscape into its design and guest experiences. Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Reopens with a New Hotel Experience Inspired by Shinjuku Sanchome’s Culture.
Tokyo, Japan, 29th Sep 2026 – Tokyu Stay Shinjuku, located in Shinjuku Sanchome—an area of Tokyo where unique local culture and nostalgic streetscapes remain deeply rooted—will reopen on September 29, 2026, following a major renovation.
Surrounded by cinemas, traditional coffee shops, yose theaters featuring traditional Japanese storytelling, and lively restaurants, Shinjuku Sanchome is a neighborhood where everyday Japanese life and culture naturally intersect. The newly renovated Tokyu Stay Shinjuku aims to become a new base for travelers looking to experience the character and charm of this distinctive area.
A New Hotel Experience Inspired by Shinjuku Sanchome’s Culture
A theater-inspired entrance reflecting Shinjuku’s cinema culture
The renovated hotel adopts “SANKADO SQUARE” as its design concept. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in a space inspired by the diverse cultural elements of Shinjuku Sanchome.
The 14-story hotel features a lobby and reception area on the first floor, while the second floor houses a fitness gym, a record space featuring music from a wide range of genres, a guest-exclusive lounge, and selected guest rooms.
The design of the common areas draws inspiration from iconic Shinjuku experiences, including cinema culture, traditional coffee shops, and yose theaters. The space captures both the energy of the neighborhood and the lasting impressions created by its unique atmosphere.
The second-floor common area is inspired by the atmosphere of a jazz club
Guest rooms occupy floors 3 through 13, with 10 rooms on each floor: six double rooms, three triple rooms, and one quadruple room. The top floor, the 14th floor, features one suite with panoramic views and four double rooms.
The hotel will offer a total of 120 guest rooms, with a maximum capacity of 300 guests.
A Unique Stay Experience at the “Re:cord Lounge”
The guest-exclusive Re:cord Lounge is inspired by a retro jazz club and is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Designed with the atmosphere of a vintage jazz club, the Re:cord Lounge is a retro-inspired lounge exclusively available to hotel guests and open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
From 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., guests can enjoy an English-style breakfast buffet featuring croque monsieur as a signature menu item. Breakfast can also be enjoyed privately in guest rooms through a takeaway breakfast box.
From noon onward, the lounge becomes an open space where guests can select records to play, create their own melon cream soda, and enjoy a variety of café-style offerings.
Guests can also enjoy cocktails and mocktails inspired by the lounge’s record collection, as well as sparkling wine.
A Variety of Guest Rooms
Guest rooms are themed around a “studio,” featuring flexible layouts designed for various stay styles in compact yet comfortable spaces
The guest rooms are designed around the theme of a “studio.”
Sophisticated color selections and flexible layouts create compact yet comfortable spaces that accommodate a variety of travel styles. Like an artist’s studio, the rooms provide guests with a creative atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy their stay.
The creative direction and spatial design for the renovation were handled by NOMURA Co., Ltd.
Led by Design Director Junichi Saito and Designer Kohei Fujinaka, the team renewed the entire hotel under a consistent concept, from the overall spatial design to the smallest details.
Hotel Signage Design: “A Balance Between Deviation and Order”
This renovation focuses not only on spatial design but also on every aspect of the hotel’s visual communication, from the reception area to floor guidance signage.
The signage design was created by Issei Nomura of Tyle, a design studio specializing in a wide range of visual expression, from typography to graphic design.
The concept, “A Balance Between Deviation and Order,” explores the relationship between freedom and structure. Rather than adhering to a single visual style, the design combines various typefaces to create a unique expression where spontaneous elements coexist with harmony and order.
Like an improvised jazz performance, different individual elements interact and resonate with one another, creating unexpected harmony from a diverse collection of expressions. The design aims to bring depth and spontaneity into the hotel environment.
Landscaping and Exterior Design
The exterior of Tokyu Stay Shinjuku pays tribute to Shinjuku’s history as a center of cinema culture, adopting a design reminiscent of entrances to cinemas and theaters from the past.
Its appearance reflects respect for Shinjuku’s nostalgic cinema culture and the atmosphere of the Showa era (1926–1989), which continues to influence the neighborhood today.
The landscaping at the entrance and throughout the hotel embodies the “SANKADO SQUARE” concept. Kinmei mousouchiku bamboo, recognized for its beautifully variegated trunks, is combined with succulent plants and cacti, including prickly pear and agave.
The harmonious landscape created by these contrasting plants represents the character of Shinjuku Sanchome itself, where diverse cultures come together and overlap in an almost improvised way.
The landscaping was created by landscape designer Kei Amano of YardWorks Inc.
Guided by his philosophy of “THE ART OF LIFE,” Amano brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sensibilities, creating a distinctive aesthetic reflected throughout the hotel.
Unique Experiences at Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku aims to serve not simply as a place to stay, but as a hub connecting guests with the surrounding neighborhood by offering experiences that showcase the distinctive culture and character of Shinjuku.
PATCH & PLAY: A Patch Workshop
The first-floor lobby offers experiences including the PATCH & PLAY patch workshop
A permanent workshop booth will be installed in the first-floor lobby, where guests can choose original patches inspired by Shinjuku’s culture and memories, then attach them to clothing, bags, and other personal items.
Through this experience, guests can discover the history and culture of Shinjuku while creating a one-of-a-kind travel keepsake.
The first collaboration features DUG, a legendary jazz café and bar that has been loved by cultural figures since its establishment in 1961 and is known as one of Shinjuku’s iconic destinations for music lovers.
A limited-edition Shinjuku patch featuring DUG’s iconic logo will be produced and sold as part of the collaboration.
Additional collaborations with notable local establishments are planned, with a series of limited-edition patches incorporating stories from Shinjuku to be released over time.
Local Photo Tour of Shinjuku by MagicalTrip Inc.
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is partnering with local tour company MagicalTrip to offer guests an immersive exploration of Shinjuku.
The planned “Shinjuku After Dark Photography Tour” (working title) is a private photo experience that begins with hotel pickup.
Accompanied by a local guide, guests will visit photogenic locations representing Shinjuku, including Kabukicho and historic shrines connected to the neighborhood’s culture, while having photographs taken throughout the experience.
The tour was created with the needs of family and couple travelers in mind, recognizing that opportunities to capture photos featuring everyone together are often limited during trips.
Local guides, including professional photographers, will capture memorable moments as guests explore the city.
Guests can discover sides of Shinjuku that do not appear in guidebooks while experiencing the neighborhood with people who know it firsthand.
Limited premium tours are also being planned and will be offered periodically.
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku — Hotel Overview
Opening Date:
September 29, 2026 (Tuesday)
Address:
3-7-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access:
8-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station
1-minute walk from Exit C3 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and Tokyo Metro Lines
Official Website:
https://www.tokyustay.co.jp/hotel/SJ/
Official Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tokyustay_connected/
Creative Direction, Spatial Design and Supervision: NOMURA Co., Ltd.
About Tokyu Stay (Tokyu Resorts & Stay Co., Ltd.)
Under the concept of “Stay Connected.”, Tokyu Stay creates opportunities for guests to connect with local communities and cultures throughout Japan.
The brand offers unique stays that inspire new discoveries and allow guests to reconnect with themselves through meaningful travel experiences.
Official Website:
https://www.tokyustay.co.jp/
Media Contact
Organization: Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Kana Shibata
Website: https://www.tokyu-rs.co.jp/
Email: Send Email
Address: Shibuya Dogenzaka Tokyu Building 1-10-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
City: Tokyo
Country: Japan
Release id: 49522
The post Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Reopens on September 29, 2026, Bringing Shinjuku Culture to Life Through Design appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
S&B Foods Inc. is set to launch UMAMI TOPPING, a key product for overseas markets, in Europe, starting with the UK.
Tokyo, Japan, 29th Sep 2026 – UMAMI TOPPING, a condiment that expands the potential of toppings S&B Foods Inc. is set to launch UMAMI TOPPING, a key product for overseas markets, in Europe, starting with the UK.
UMAMI TOPPING: Relish the Crunch
UMAMI TOPPING is a versatile umami seasoning developed as a topping-style condiment developed for overseas markets based on the Okazu La-yu (Chilli Oil) sold in Japan. Unlike conventional chilli oil, Okazu La-yu contains fried garlic and other ingredients, and has established a new category of chilli oil in Japan thanks to its chunky texture. In Japan, consumers appreciate Okazu La-yu for its wide variety of ingredients and its perfect balance of spiciness and umami flavours.
Source: Our own research, July 2022 (people who have previously purchased crunchy garlic with chilli oil), excerpt of the top nine items.
UMAMI TOPPING capitalises on these characteristics to offer a highly versatile product. Simply drizzle the flavourful oil over sushi, meat dishes, salads and more to add a touch of flavour and crunch. Unlike traditional seasonings and condiments, the product is designed to be used as a topping, making it an easy way to complement and enhance existing recipes. As a garlic chilli topping with a distinctive crunchy texture, UMAMI TOPPING can be used in a wide range of applications across both the restaurant and retail sectors, opening up possibilities for creative promotional displays and menu suggestions.
UMAMI TOPPING
UMAMI TOPPING brand website:
https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/europe/umami-topping
The Japanese Crunchy Garlic with Chilli Oil Market and the Background to the Development of UMAMI TOPPING
UMAMI TOPPING was developed from the same category of crunchy chilli oil that can be enjoyed as a food accompaniment, represented by the Okazu Chilli Oil sold by S&B Foods in Japan.
Looking at the overall chilli oil market in Japan, the market expanded rapidly following the launch of Okazu Chilli Oil in 2010. Since then, the category has become firmly established and has maintained a consistent market size.UMAMI TOPPING, which was launched as an export-only version of the Okazu Chilli Oil sold in Japan, has seen a significant increase in sales in recent years. It is now positioned as a major product alongside curry and wasabi, with sales reaching levels comparable to those of Okazu Chilli Oil in Japan.
*Jan 2017 to Dec 2025: Estimated retail sales in the chilli oil market, provided by Intage SRI+
*Jan 2008 to Dec 2016: Our own research
Growth and Popularity in Overseas Markets (United States, Asia)
UMAMI TOPPING is steadily gaining ground in overseas markets.
– Widely used in the United States as a topping for sushi rolls
It is also used in a wide range of applications, from seafood dishes such as carpaccio and sashimi to ramen toppings and gyoza dumplings.
Its balance of texture and spiciness is highly regarded.
– Established as a topping for both restaurant meals and home cooking in South Korea
It is used on a variety of dishes, including rice porridge, noodle dishes and vegetable dishes.
Consumers enjoy its crunchy texture, spicy flavour and versatility, and sales continue to grow.
These diverse ways of using UMAMI TOPPING have led to increased sales. In 2025, S&B Foods added UMAMI TOPPING SPICY to the lineup in the United States and South Korea, combining intense spiciness with umami flavour.
The company also reviewed the ingredients of the original UMAMI TOPPING and removed almonds, an allergen, so that more customers can enjoy the product with peace of mind.
Sushi with UMAMI TOPPING
Key Points of Development for Europe (Behind the Scenes of the Product Launch)
S&B Foods made the following optimisations for the European market:
– Regulatory compliance and quality assurance
Adoption of new ingredients that comply with strict European food regulations.
Use of non-GMO ingredients to comply with local standards.
– Product variations
Two varieties, MILD and SPICY, have been created to meet the needs of consumers with different spice preferences.
MILD
– A subtly spicy flavour that enhances dishes with its distinctive texture, crunch and exquisite umami.
– Mainly intended to be used as a topping, making the most of its intense umami and crunchy texture.
– Recommended as a topping for sushi and hot dogs.
SPICY
– An intense spiciness that will also appeal to fans of Asian cuisine.
– Can also be used as a seasoning or to add a piquant accent to dishes.
– Recommended for adding a touch of spice to ramen or gyoza dumplings.
What sets UMAMI TOPPING apart is not only its unique topping format, but also its authentic Japanese origin and rich umami flavour.
Benefits of Introducing UMAMI TOPPING to the Retail Market
In the UK, topping-style seasonings such as Crispy Chilli Oil and Chilli Crunch are becoming increasingly popular. By offering not only spiciness but also a distinctive umami flavour, UMAMI TOPPING can differentiate itself from existing products in the category and drive stronger shelf sales.
UMAMI TOPPING offers the following benefits:
– “UMAMI” products that are directly aligned with Japanese food trends
– Highly versatile for use as a topping on a variety of dishes
– Easy to display through in-store merchandising as an instant flavour-boosting product
– Scalable shelf allocation thanks to the introduction of different varieties (MILD/SPICY)
Katsu Curry with UMAMI TOPPING Recipe
https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/europe/umami-topping/recipe02/
Hot Dog with UMAMI TOPPING Recipe https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/europe/umami-topping/recipe03/
Hot Dog with UMAMI TOPPING
European Expansion
August 2026
Sales are scheduled to start at Japanese and Asian supermarkets in Europe, beginning with the UK.
These include Japan Centre and Oseyo.
October 2026
S&B Foods will operate a stall at JAPAN MATSURI in London, where visitors will be able to sample UMAMI TOPPING.
Japan Matsuri London – JAPAN MATSURI 2026 will return to Trafalgar Square, the date of event will be announced shortly. https://japanmatsuri.com/
Through UMAMI TOPPING, S&B Foods will expand the value of Japanese food culture globally and create a new food scene.
Company Overview
S&B – Authentic Taste of Japan
S&B Foods Inc. is a Japanese food manufacturer with a core focus on spices, herbs and seasonings.
Since its establishment in 1923, S&B Foods has established a strong position in the Japanese curry and spice categories and is expanding its business in North America, Asia and Europe, backed by a diverse product portfolio and a stable supply system.
The company develops products that align with the food culture and comply with the regulations of each market, and is working to expand its seasoning business globally.
Official Instagram (UK):
https://www.instagram.com/sbfoods_uk
S&B Foods Global Site:
S&B Foods UK website – Authentic Taste of Japan
Media Contact
Organization: S&B Foods Inc.
Contact Person: Takuma Hosoda
Website: https://www.sbfoods-worldwide.com/europe/umami-topping/
Email: Send Email
Address: 18-6, Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku
City: Tokyo
Country: Japan
Release id: 49520
The post Crunchy Garlic with Chilli Oil from Japan Arrives in Europe appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
The Franchise King Releases New Guide to Using AI for Franchise Research and Franchise Buying
New digital guide shows franchise buyers how to correctly use AI for due diligence, with 52 prompts along with warnings about where AI franchise research can go wrong.
United States, 29th Sep 2026 — Joel Libava, known as The Franchise King®, today announced the release of “The Franchise Buyer’s AI Playbook,” a digital guide that gives prospective franchise buyers 52 ready-to-use AI prompts for researching and vetting a franchise opportunity, paired with direct warnings about where AI tools can mislead them.
Franchise buyers are already using ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to research potential opportunities, often without realizing where those tools fall short. AI can organize research and translate legal language quickly. It cannot verify a franchisor’s financial health, sit in on a validation call, or interpret a franchise agreement with legal authority. Libava’s guide is built around that distinction.
“People are already asking AI whether they should buy a franchise, and getting confident-sounding answers back,” said Libava. “The problem isn’t that AI is useless here. It’s that nobody’s told buyers exactly where it can quietly get them hurt. That’s the entire reason this guide exists.”
The guide organizes its 52 prompts around the real buyer journey: 13 prompts for finding a franchise that actually fits a buyer’s money, skills, and schedule; 26 prompts for researching a specific opportunity, including how to interrogate a franchise’s financial performance disclosures instead of accepting a misleading average; and 13 prompts for making a final decision without being pushed by sales pressure or sunk-cost thinking.
“Anyone can hand you a list of prompts,” said Joel Libava, The Franchise King. “What I built is the research process I’ve used with buyers for 25 years. The prompts get you the answers — the workbook and 7-Day Quick-Start Plan tell you what to do with them. That’s the difference between a novelty and a real tool for franchise buyers.” Every detailed prompt includes a plain-language warning describing exactly how an AI tool’s answer can be incomplete or wrong, a feature not found in franchise content produced by parties with a financial incentive to keep a buyer moving toward a purchase.
Libava has spent more than 25 years advising franchise buyers. He is the author of two books on franchising, spent eight years as the exclusive franchise contributor to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s blog, and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, and Entrepreneur.
“The Franchise Buyer’s AI Playbook” is available now for at thefranchiseking.com. It includes a full glossary of franchise terminology, a chapter addressing common franchising myths, including the assumption that AI alone can determine whether a franchise is a good investment and bonuses including helpful worksheets that will help franchise buyers organize the information they’ve collected.
For more information, or to request a review copy or interview with Joel Libava, contact: Joel Libava
Phone: 216-831-2610
Email: Joel@thefranchiseking.com
Website: https://www.thefranchiseking.com
https://www.thefranchiseking.com/the-franchise-buyers-ai-playbook
Media Contact
Organization: Franchise Selection Specialists Inc.
Contact Person: Joel Libava
Website: https://www.thefranchiseking.com
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release id: 49516
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