Ajinomoto Foods Launches Campaign to Inspire 10 Million Shared Meals
HOSPITALITYMARKETING
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.'s new science-backed initiative celebrates the joy of sharing food as a path to greater happiness and well-being.
What if the key to greater happiness and well-being was as simple as sitting down to share a meal? Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA), a specialty frozen food manufacturer, is launching a multi-year initiative dedicated to proving that exact point: The "Well-being Effect."
The ambitious goal of the campaign is to inspire ten million shared food moments across the U.S. over the next five years, bringing to life AFNA's core purpose: to make everyday eating a happy experience.
Science Backs the Shared Table
The concept behind The Well-being Effect is straightforward: when we share meals, we share joy, connection, and a vital sense of belonging. This is not just heartwarming sentiment; it’s backed by data. Insights from the 2025 World Happiness Report directly link higher happiness levels to the simple act of eating regularly with others.
"At Ajinomoto Foods North America, we contribute to well-being by creating foods that lift spirits, bring peace of mind, and connect us - around the table, across cultures, and within communities," said Hiroshi Kaho, Chief Executive Officer. "With 'The Well-being Effect,' we hope to inspire millions of meal moments that create joy, connection, and a sense of belonging."
The initiative encourages everyone to slow down, put away distractions, and cook and share meals with others, whether that's with family at home, colleagues during a lunch break, or friends at community gatherings. The mission emphasizes food's vital role in overall well-being, touching the body, mind, and spirit.
The Master Craftsmanship of Connection
AFNA, a company rooted in over a century of Japanese culinary craftsmanship (Takumi no waza), is built on a focus on high-quality, culturally inspired foods. Their products, including Japanese-style gyoza and globally inspired favorites from brands like José Olé®, Ling Ling®, and Tai Pei®, are designed to make it easy to gather people around a table for authentic flavor and connection.
The commitment to the Well-being Effect starts within. AFNA employees and local communities are already leading the movement by hosting team tastings, family days, and community festivals, celebrating food as the ultimate catalyst for togetherness.
Over the next five years, AFNA will continue to inspire shared meals across all communities through:
Consumers: Encouraging social participation and shared meal storytelling online.
Communities: Organizing local events, festivals, and partnerships.
Retail & Foodservice Partners: Collaborating to make shared meals more accessible.
To join the movement and help reach the goal of ten million shared meals, simply gather your family or friends, enjoy a meal, and share a photo of your table or toast. Tag @AjinomotoUS on Instagram or @AjinomotoFoods.USA on TikTok. Together, every shared dish contributes to a widespread feeling of peace, connection, and joy.