Otsuka, ChaLi to build new food research institution

A signing ceremony marking a strategic partnership between high-end tea brand ChaLi and leading Japanese food brand Otsuka Shanghai was held in Guangzhou’s Nansha district on Nov 27.

The partnership brings the companies together to establish a state-level food and beverage research institution.

Kita Toshiya (lower left), chairman and general manager of Shanghai Otsuka Foods Co, and Tan Qiong (lower right), chairwoman of Guangzhou ChaLi Electronic Commerce Co sign the agreement. [Photo/gznanews.com.cn]

Otsuka Shanghai is a subsidiary corporation set up in China by the renowned Japanese food and drug enterprise Otsuka Foods. The enterprise, having over 20 corporations in its native land and more than 150 affiliates worldwide, appeared on the market at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2010.

The planned research institution aims to perform three functions. The first is to research and develop the intensive processing of tea leaves, including the extraction of tea caffeine and study of healthy properties.

The second is to promote Otsuka’s off-the-shelf functional drinks which are landing in China, and the last is to develop health products such as enzyme and dietary fibre products.

The collaborative project is expected to be a pivotal impetus for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, for these areas of business have a broad base and prospects for future growth in the Chinese food and beverage industries.

ChaLi is a specialized tea service provider mastering the core technologies of tea manufacturing, blending and fashioning. It’s now becoming a benchmark for China’s new tea retail industry.

In August, ChaLi’s headquarters -- as well as its research, development and production base -- started construction in Nansha. It has also set up a laboratory together with the Tea Research Institute from the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences to explore the standards of the tea bag industry.