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Company Profile

With over 80 years of research in Japan, Yakult is the outcome of an ingenious discovery on the use of probiotics for healthy living by microbiologist and physician Dr. Minoru Shirota. Dr. Shirota’s findings embodied a three-facet theory called Shirota-ism which advocates the use of preventive medicine* through consumption of proper nutrients for a healthy intestine that leads to a longer life, and ensuring good health is available for as many people as possible (affordable). Driven by this believe, after years of microbiology research, Dr. Shirota successfully cultured a strong strain of lactic acid bacteria called the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, which has the ability to suppress harmful bacteria in the body and thus help maintain good health. It was this discovery that led to the development of the Yakult cultured milk drink in 1935.

Dr Minoru Shirota

Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain

Over the years, Yakult has grown synonymous with the production of superior quality products. The Company’s commitment to Research & Development (R&D) is one that dates back to 1967, when the Yakult Central Institute for Microbiology Research was set-up in Japan to further explore the possibility of harnessing the benefits of good micro-organisms for prevention and treatment of diseases and promotion of health. There are currently 404 scientists and medical doctors in the Yakult Central Institute who are actively pursuing research in line with the concepts of Shirota-ism. Based on high-quality research done at the Yakult Central Institute in Japan and the Yakult European Research Institute in Europe, mainly into beneficial micro-organisms, Yakult has expanded its product range to include a whole series of health products, such as cosmetics and medicines.

Yakult Central Institute, Japan

Today Yakult is known as a trusted household brand, reputed for enriching the lives of many. This is testified by 40 million people from various ages and lifestyles from over 40 countries worldwide. Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a fully-owned subsidiary of Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., made its debut in Malaysia in February 2004 with the introduction of its first cultured milk product, Yakult Ace followed its lower sugar version, Yakult Ace Light (with 50% less sugar than Yakult Ace) in 2009. With headquarters in Shah Alam, manufacturing facility in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and sales branches in Johor Bahru, Penang, Ipoh, Seremban, Malacca, Kuantan, Kota Bharu, Alor Setar Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Bintulu and Kota Kinabalu. Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. currently employs over 420 people throughout Malaysia.