1804 

Matazaemon Nakano, a Japanese sake producer, first had the idea of brewing vinegar from sake lees (a by product of Japanese sake brewing).

The resulting liquid, called Mizkan YAMABUKI, was so delicious that a renowned sushi chef, Yohei Hanaya, used it to flavour rice for a new kind of sushi-now known around the world as Nigiri-Sushi.

Nigiri-Sushi quickly became Japan's most popular finger food while the flavourful rice vinegar earned a top reputation throughout the country. Mizkan remains the No.1 brand in Japan, the UK & Europe.

The company is still family-owned and is run by Kazuhide Matazaemon Nakano VIII.

1887

The famous Mizkan™ mark was derived from Matazaemon Nakano IV's family crest.

1895

Manor Vinegar Brewery, later to be bought by Mizkan, is established in Lozells, a suburb of Birmingham, England, in an old beer brewery.

1896

Mizkan started to export from Japan to U.S.

1950s

Manor Vinegar Brewery moves premises to Burntwood, Staffs.

1994

Mitsukan Rice Vinegar is launched into the UK and Europe.

1998

Mitsukan changes its name worldwide to Mizkan.

2002

Mizkan Group Corporation, purchases Manor Vinegar Ltd. Mizkan U.K. Ltd.  Running the UK and European operation from its offices in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

2003

Kazuhide Matazaemon Nakano VIII takes over at the heim of Mizkan.

2004

Adoption of New Corporate Symbol.

2005

Mizkan Rice Vinegars are widely available in UK supermarkets.  New products are planned for launch in 2007….Watch this space….