In food distribution and marketing, the establishment of ITOCHU Shokuhin Co., Ltd. in 1996 through a merger with two wholesale companies with capital ties to ITOCHU facilitated the setup of a nationwide distribution system for processed foods. ITOCHU Shokuhin was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in March 2001. NIPPON ACCESS, Inc. was merged with Nishino Trading Co., Ltd. in April 2007, and in December 2010, it reached an agreement on a merger with ITOCHU Fresh Corporation, which handles the three main fresh food products of livestock, seafood, and fruit & vegetables, Universal Food Co., Ltd., which is engaged in contract operation and management of food service-related businesses, and Family Corporation Inc. which is involved in food-related distribution and the contract operation of distribution centers., we lead the industry in terms of size, and we look forward to further growth as a high value-added wholesaler able to respond fully to diverging needs. Under this organizational structure, ITOCHU is seeking to raise collective group strengths and competitiveness and bolster its earnings base with a view to becoming a leading company in the food industry.