ITO EN, LTD.

ITO EN undertakes a wide range of programs and measures that reflect its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). One of the most important contributions we make to Japanese society is through our "Vitalization Program for Tea-Growing Regions," which helps transform some of Japan's idle agricultural land into tea plantations. This program not only helps ensure a long-term, viable future for Japan's tea industry and stable procurement sources, but also aims to help create employment opportunities in local areas.

To receive support from consumers, companies must prove their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. ITO EN does this in many ways. With regards to addressing the issue of global warming, ITO EN is participating in the "Team –6%" program initiated by the Japanese government, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions. The ITO EN Group is also undertaking such initiatives as changing over its vehicle fleet gradually to hybrid vehicles and implementing other measures to reduce energy usage at its factories and offices.

To conserve resources, ITO EN is investigating the possible future use of thin-walled PET bottles and the use of bio-plastics. We also recycle used tea leaves as raw materials for a wide range of eco-products.

ITO EN has an extensive ISO 14001 program under which all domestic offices are working toward or have obtained certification. All ITO EN production facilities are ISO 14001 certified. All ITO EN factories have ISO 9001 certification for its quality assurance systems, while all contracted factories supplying ITO EN are required to obtain certified under HACCP (food safety management system) and ISO 9001. As a provider of food products (beverages and tea leaves), we see food safety for consumers as paramount. Our traceability program reflects our commitment to stringent food safety.

ITO EN sees the spread of Japanese tea culture to other parts of the world as an excellent opportunity to increase interest in and understanding of Japanese culture in other countries. Our initial focus overseas is on North America, where we are distributing green tea products through major chain stores and specialty stores focused on natural foods. We have also opened a flagship tea specialty store and restaurant in New York City.

In Japan, ITO EN is also focused on building close ties to the local communities in which it operates, particularly through community events and volunteer projects. In the cultural and sporting area, we organize the ITO EN Ladies Golf Tournament each year, and run the Oi Ocha New Haiku Contest as a program to promote the enjoyment of haiku poetry, one of Japan's traditional literary forms.

Overall, ITO EN sees CSR as an integral part of its business approach, in close harmony with its basic management principle of "always putting the customer first."