In 1988, Kagome Japan established Kagome Inc. in Los Banos, California.  With great celebration, we opened our doors in 1990 and we began producing and shipping sauces to restaurant chains across the nation.  Today, Kagome is known as the premier customized culinary sauce developer and producer for foodservice clientele.  We service customers domestically and as far away as Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Australia.  Kagome freshly cooks a wide range of sauces and spreads including:  tomato sauces, BBQ sauces and marinades, Asian sauces, Mexican sauces and salsas, buttery spreads, oil based and cream sauces, and a full line of contemporary worldwide ethnic sauces.

To meet growing food service business demand, Kagome increased capacity at our Los Banos facility and in 2007 acquired and modernized Kagome in Osceola, Arkansas. This acquisition optimized distribution in the eastern portion of the U.S, and provided new product and packaging types to our Kagome portfolio. Kagome is proud to employ over 325 people in the US, with Los Banos employees numbering around 130 proud.

Our parent company was founded by Mr. Ichitaro Kanie, who first cultivated tomatoes in his garden in Japan in 1899. With the success of this pioneer, Kagome Co., Ltd. was formed and has grown to become one of the largest tomato producers and a household name in Japan.  Kagome also has a worldwide tomato processing network; including, Europe, Australia, China, Middle East, and South America. Beyond tomatoes, Kagome Japan produces a wide range of fruit and vegetable products, beverages, microwavable meals, and pro-biotic drinks following the company's mission to provide foods that are close to nature for the health of our consumers and our planet.

For Kagome, respecting the environment has been an integral part of the company's philosophy since inception, over a century ago. This philosophy is more than a set of principals; it is our company foundation to live in harmony and partnership with the environment to leave future generations with a cleaner, more bio-robust world to cherish and respect.  In 2009 Kagome proudly received the California Clean Energy Network Awardfor our efforts in Los Banos.

In 2010, Kagome was awarded The Business of the Year Award by the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce, who stated,“Kagome Inc. has been one of the largest employers in Los Banos since its doors opened in 1989…Kagome has continuously supported community organizations and championed sponsorships through monetary gifts, product donations, and employee volunteers for many years.  Specifically, Kagome has been a major advocate for the Business Education Alliance of Merced County, the Merced County Enterprise Zone, and the upcoming Tomato Festival.  Their support has helped over 50 non-profit organizations!  Kagome has made a significant difference in our community and we are honored to present them with the Business of the Year Award.”