I wrote for the February 2025 issue of Food Business.

In preparation for this summer's extreme heat, we have completed a "Heatwave Countermeasure Catalog" that will help improve the working environment in the manufacturing and logistics industries. The catalog includes a wide range of products for facility improvements, such as fireproof certified heat-shielding sheets that cut radiant heat by 97%, heat-shielding curtains, roof and window countermeasure products, and fans suitable for large spaces, as well as black globe thermometers that can measure WBGT, wearable alert bands, mobile cooling shelters, and fan-equipped work clothing. We have consolidated measures for "building countermeasures," "work space countermeasures," and "personal countermeasures" into one volume. It can also be used as reference material for discussions in safety and health committees. Please take a look at the specific measures that simultaneously achieve heat countermeasures and energy conservation/CO₂ reduction.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the "Kyushu Sales Office" aimed at strengthening our business foundation in the Kyushu area. With the opening of the new sales office, we will be able to respond more quickly and flexibly to our customers in the Kyushu region, while enhancing our support system closely tied to the local community. We will also deepen our collaboration with local partner companies, aiming for further growth of our business while strengthening our trust with the community. We kindly ask for your continued support for the Kyushu Sales Office and our company. Thank you very much. 【Overview of Kyushu Sales Office】 Establishment Date: January 1, 2026 Company Name: BM Nagano Co., Ltd. Kyushu Sales Office Location: 1-15-20 Hakataekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 812-0011, NMF Hakataekimae Building 2nd Floor

We have recently started a demonstration experiment aimed at addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dairy farming. Utilizing compost environments, we will examine the impact of using our technology-based aqueous solutions on microbial dynamics. This experiment is being conducted with field cooperation, aiming to establish a new approach that contributes to the realization of a sustainable livestock environment and the reduction of antibiotic usage. In this trial, we will set up a spray group (Group H) and a non-spray group (Group C), and will conduct a time-series comparison before spraying, immediately after spraying, and at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days, as well as at the maturation stage. We will perform sampling from the upper, middle, and lower layers of the compost at a depth of 10 cm, while simultaneously collecting temperature logs (external temperature and two internal compost temperatures) to analyze microbial changes and fermentation status from multiple angles. Based on scientific data, we will pursue a balance between safety and effectiveness, and work towards contributing to the livestock industry.

[SCM Brochure Update] We have updated the brochure for the remote-controlled unmanned excavation method, Safety Climber Method, which is promoted by K-F as a supporting member. The name of the latest brochure is: scm_panf_260219.pdf We hope you find it useful. *For technical questions regarding the Safety Climber Method or inquiries about pricing, please contact the Safety Climber Association Secretariat.

Kort Valuta Inc. (Head Office: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Hideki Shibata; hereinafter “the Company”) announces that Yashima Taxi Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Koto-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Toyoko Nagamine; hereinafter “Yashima Taxi”) has reported positive results— including improvements in hiring, retention, and revenue—one year after implementing the employee benefit service utilizing the “Custom Point Allocation” feature of the TwooCa app, which incorporates a digital employee ID provided by the Company. Press Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000061.000076589.html (*1) Applicable only to benefits that do not fall under “wages” as defined by the Labor Standards Act. (*2) Based on results reported by Yashima Taxi.