OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means production on consignment. With OEM, we are manufacturing products for which the client has performed the research and development. Conversely, ODM stands for Original Design Manufacturing. With ODM, Itoh Kanpo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will propose a product during the planning and development stage. Whether or not you have a product concept, we can propose a plan for you that includes raw materials or forms, and then manufacture it.

It is not a problem if you do not have a set plan; a pre-consultation is welcome. First, we will present a market overview based on the data, then construct a plan, adjusting the direction based on the consultation. We always try to offer you the best plan based on the client's brand image and strengths.

Actually, quite a few clients have entered the market from different industries, as various companies have developed an interest in the health industry as a response to an aging population. Itoh Kanpo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is adept at supporting new companies entering the market and we have consulted clients from wide variety of industries from food and cosmetics, to steel and machine manufacturers, to transportation companies. For several decades, Itoh Kanpo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has been engaged in manufacturing and sales of our company's products, in addition to ODM (OEM) products. For this reason, we are able to grasp the needs of the health food market based on sales records and propose a plan and manufacturing based on accumulated data and experience. We offer clients the best plan by understanding their brand images and strength as much as possible, with consideration given to the client’s sales channels, even if the client is affiliated with a different industry.

Recently, several companies have contacted us and expressed the desire to establish a manufacturing base in western Japan. We believe that they plan to establish several bases for risk management and reduction of logistics costs.

The primary data is derived from sales data from drugstores across Japan. In addition, we will offer information that has been obtained via various sources, after it has been compiled and analyzed by our company. We are able to quickly obtain information and actual market trends and we will offer the information to clients accordingly.

It is too much to say that we are good at both, isn't it? [Chuckles] We have an advantage in that we can offer both. As previously described, with ODM we feel a strong sense of accomplishment when the product is manufactured after the client identifies with it and is satisfied with its good sales results. With OEM, we are delighted when our company’s manufacturing system, which received a pharmaceutical GMP, is evaluated and a client has decided to contract us. We will proactively offer pointers that we have noticed during the manufacturing process, such as more efficient materials or easier-to-take forms.

We have received many inquiries from foreign companies in Asia, such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Mongol. Recently, the demand for healthy food may be greater in foreign countries. We can propose a plan depending on the country, as our company's products are developed in Asia. Of course, we would consult with a client on some elements, but from our experience, there may be issues such as prohibited raw materials.

In addition to pharmaceutical products, we are able to manufacture cosmetics, soft drinks, and everyday foods as well. In particular, we deal with a wide range of soft drinks from a paper cartons to concentrated (for dilution) beverages. We will try to work with other products for which we may not have manufacturing experience at the client's request. To allow for a more flexible response, we plan to introduce new equipment in addition to our abundant preexisting equipment.

We have started our business as a wholesale store for Chinese herbal medicines. Currently, the quantity of pharmaceutical products (Chinese herbal medicines) manufactured by our company has decreased, but we have received manufacturing approval for more than 200 pharmaceutical products. We can help you develop a new licensed pharmaceutical product and also propose a plan using Chinese herbal medicines.