Strict cost management has enabled Japanese food giant Yamazaki Baking Co. to report higher operating profit in 2014 but increased pension contributions weighed on the bottom line.

The company reported a 25.9% jump in operating profit in the year to 31 December, rising to JPY20.87bn. Yamazaki cut its advertising and personnel expenses as it worked to strip costs out of the business. However, the transfer of benefit obligation relating to some of its subsidiaries pension funds and a higher tax rate meant that net profit growth lagged. Net profit at the firm was up 6.3% to JPY12.04bn.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

During the 12 month period sales rose 2.8% to JPY995bn. Growth was driven by higher confectionery sales.

Click here for the release in Japanses. 

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact