Japanese spice maker Ajinomoto said today (25 February) that it aims to grow its operating profit by more than one-quarter by fiscal 2013.

The company said that it aims to book operating profit of JPY87bn (US$1.06bn) in fiscal 2013, up from an expected JPY69bn in operating profit this year.

Sales are expected to rise to rise to JPY1.36trn in fiscal 2013, up from an estimated JPY1.2trn in fiscal 2010. The group set a target of an 8% return on equity, almost double its fiscal 2010 outlook of 4.5%.

In order to expand revenues and profits, Ajinomoto said that it will enhance overseas growth. The company said that it hopes to generate 35% of total sales overseas by 2013, up from 31% currently. Ajinomoto indicated that it plans to introduce low-cost powdered seasonings in Europe, North America and south-east Asia.