President of privately held Monde Nissin, maker of instant noodles, biscuits and snack foods, founded in 1979.

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In the wheat market, Nissin Flour Milling, the industry leader, has been buying up smaller firms and is taking an axe to its cost base before import controls are dismantled.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s food industry

In February, Dai-Nippon Meiji Sugar and Nissin Sugar announced plans to start joint production as a way of preparing for the end of Japan's sugar-price support system and the elimination of import tariffs next year.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s food industry