Tokyo, June 13, 2013 (JCN) - Takara Bio entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with Sun Toward Tech Enterprise Co. in Taiwan, as of June 13, 2013, granting the use of six mushroom strains as well as industrial production technology.
This agreement allows Sun Toward Tech to produce the mushroom strains in Taiwan, and to distribute the products in Taiwan, China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states.
Takara Bio was the first company in the world to succeed in developing large-scale industrial production technology for Bunashimeji mushrooms in 1970, and since then has been expanding its licensing business for this mass production technology, as well providing the related mushroom strains (currently 8 strains are available for licensing).
In addition to pursuing licensing opportunities, Takara Bio has been producing Honshimeji and Hatakeshimeji mushrooms for the Japanese market.
By utilizing Takara Bio's technical support, based on the company's long time experience in this business area, and the mushroom strains that Takara Bio has already commercialized in Japan, Sun Toward Tech plans to start production of Honshimeji and Hatakeshimeji mushrooms in the middle of 2014 at its newly established production facility of approximately 15,000 m² in Tainan city.
Sun Toward Tech is commencing its mushroom production business in Taiwan with a total investment of 2.4 billion JPY. With this agreement, Takara Bio will receive a lump sum payment as well as running royalties.
