Company Profile | Zelico

EN
日本語
CONTACT

COMPANY
PROFILE

  • HOME>
  • COMPANY PROFILE

Company
Information

Company Name EKD & CO., LTD.
Founded 1877
Incorporated 2024
Capital 1 million yen
President & CEO Kenjiro Suzuki
Business Activities Wholesale, manufacturing, and retail of confectionery and food products /
E-commerce platform operations
Main Line TEL：0584-47-8451

Access

Zelico Office

1171-1 Funatsuke, Yoro-cho, Yoro-gun, Gifu, Japan
TEL: 0584-47-8451 FAX: 050-3730-8338

Organizational Structure

Organizational Structure

Our History

1877~1933
From a small candy shop to a confectionery company

From a small candy shop to a confectionery company

Our story began in 1877, when Kamesaburo Suzuki founded a confectionery business in Tawaracho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. In 1912, our current headquarters was built, and we began manufacturing jelly - a rare product at the time in Japan.
By 1933, under the leadership of the second-generation Denhichi Suzuki, the company was formally incorporated and began producing confectionery on a full scale.
1935~1970
The birth of “Zelico Candy” and our first steps overseas

The birth of “Zelico Candy” and our first steps overseas

In 1935, we began producing “Zelico Candy,” which would become one of
the key products supporting the early years of our company. Caramel candies with toys inside were especially loved by children.
As early as 1939, we exported strawberry jelly to Hawaii, marking our first international venture.
In 1960, our contribution to the confectionery industry was recognized when our first president, Denhichi Suzuki, received the Honorary President’s Award at the 16th National Confectionery Exposition ̶solidifying our place in the industry.
1970~2008
Navigating turbulent times

Navigating turbulent times

While the company had continued growing, the postwar economic boom and subsequent shifts in the domestic market brought challenges.
With rising competition and a workforce migrating toward Tokyo, we faced a difficult period - at one point operating with just five employees.
Still, we remained committed to bringing joy to people through confectionery, trying new ideas such as importing toys and plush goods to keep the company moving forward.
2008~2023
From Japan to the world

From Japan to the world

Starting in 2008, we expanded our domestic wholesale business,
established overseas offices, and entered the export market in earnest.
Our export business quickly grew, and we now hold a top share of the Japanese confectionery and food export market.
2023～Present
Rebirth as EKD & CO., LTD.

Rebirth as EKD & CO., LTD.

To fuel further growth, our parent company restructured in 2023,
becoming Eikodo Holdings Co., Ltd. At the same time, the overseas business division was spun off to form EKD & CO., LTD. In April 2025, aiming to elevate our global presence even further, we rebranded as EKD & CO., LTD., marking a bold new chapter in our journey.

SDGs
Initiatives

Our commitment to a sustainable future

  • Goal2Zero Hunger
    • By exporting Japanese food products worldwide, we aim to provide safe,
      high-quality food options and expand food choices in global markets.
  • Goal8Decent Work and Economic Growth
    • Through our export business, we help create new opportunities for
      Japan’s food industry, agriculture, and processing sectors.
    • We also believe that growing the presence of Japanese food in global
      markets can contribute to local employment and economic development.
  • Goal9Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    • We are committed to promoting Japanese food processing technologies
      and product development overseas.
    • By creating products suited to international markets and building new
      distribution networks, we support sustainable growth in the food industry.
  • Goal12Responsible Consumption and Production
    • We actively promote food waste reduction and sustainable food production practices.
  • Goal17Partnerships for the Goals
    • We collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders - including Japanese producers, food manufacturers, logistics providers, international
      distributors, and retailers - to build strong global partnerships through export-driven business.

CSR
Activities

Exhibiting at International Trade Shows

We participate in exhibitions not only in Japan, but also across Asia,
Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa, helping to promote “the best of Japan” to the world.

Digital Marketing Initiatives

To strengthen connections with overseas buyers, we invest in SEO strategies and develop multilingual content to proactively share information.

Cross-Border E-Commerce

We operate our own e-commerce platform, enabling consumers worldwide to access Japanese products directly and conveniently.

Donation Activities

Since 2022, EKD & CO., LTD. has donated a portion of sales to the Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center (JIFPRO)
- a public-interest foundation dedicated to global forest conservation and sustainable forestry.
In 2024 (our third year of giving), we donated ¥219,100.
As a company operating globally, we view environmental stewardship as part of our corporate
responsibility, and we will continue supporting initiatives that help create a healthier planet.