Ajinomoto Food Ingredients manufactures and markets processed food, seasonings, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition. Founded in 1909, Ajinomoto established itself as a household food brand in Japan and a reliable source of nutritional ingredients. Today, Ajinomoto operates globally with operations in 23 countries and regions, backed by over 100 manufacturing facilities. Ajinomoto is a leading manufacturer of aspartame, an intense sweetening ingredient that has exceptional sensory, nutritional, and safety characteristics and, when compared with sugar, can provide food and drink manufacturers with substantial cost savings.