SSGA sponsors award at Natto Competition

Each year, members of the National Natto Cooperative Union in Japan bring their best natto products for judging at the Natto Competition. In late November, judges considered 187 items produced by 70 manufacturers. Experts in various fields, including researchers, cultural figures, food industry professionals and government officials, chose the winning natto products based on appearance, aroma, taste and texture.  

The entry “Minori Natto Honoka” created by Midoriya Co., Ltd, was awarded the Grand Prize. An award for the best natto made with U.S. soybeans was awarded on behalf of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). SSGA international representative Keiichi (Ken) Tanaka attended the competition and awards. 

“There were many products of very high quality this year, and the competition was very close at the top,” said Hiromasa Hasegawa, advisor to the National Federation of Natto Cooperative Associations, who chaired the judging committee. “Although there were some products with room for improvement, we will provide feedback on the judging results to the companies, and we look forward to their future quality improvement and active participation in next year’s competition and beyond.” 

A special guest, Natto-no-Elf “Nebaarukun,” the fairy of natto, visited the judging venue and provided a live broadcast of the judging process.