Quality is Mercian’s number one priority. The Bioresource Laboratories in Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture, which were completed in March 2003, focus on bioconversion technologies - a particularly promising area. We established this facility with a view to reinforcing our pharmaceuticals and chemicals business.

At the laboratory, we research pharmaceuticals, including anti-cancer drugs, and utilize original bioconversion technologies to develop efficient ways of producing chiral compounds for pharmaceuticals and intermediates. We also use genetic modification (GM) technologies to ensure higher productivity.

The Product Development Research Laboratory in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, houses our alcoholic beverages research division. The laboratory conducts R&D aimed at maximizing the flavors, as well as the health properties and other potential benefits, of grapes and other fruits, thereby enabling Mercian to provide products for its customers‘ health and well-being, as well as wine for their tables.

R&D aimed at developing production technology that brings out substances responsible for the distinctive fragrances and tastes of different grape varieties is conducted at Chateau Mercian. We also conduct R&D aimed at developing, among others, wine made with grapes containing high amounts of such healthful substances as Resveratrol, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and wine made with no preservatives, thereby ensuring product safety and contributing to greater peace of mind for customers.