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.

The operations of our processing liquors research division are based at the Processing Liquors Research Laboratory, which comprises the Product Development Office and the Customer Center.

The Product Development Office focuses on the development of liquors for cooking, fermented seasonings and other food-related products, as well as alcohol-based sanitation products. Technicians conduct basic research in the area of culinary science, utilizing scientific approaches to understand how new processing liquors can enhance taste and shelf life.

At the Customer Center, we provide various services tailored to customer needs. Such services include recipe proposals, tasting and food preparation seminars, product presentations and technical support.