About us
- Homepage
- About us
The INABA Story: From Fish Expertise to a Global Leader in Pet Food
1805
Inaba Foods traces its origins back to 1805 in Japan. The company began as a marine fish trader before evolving into a producer of katsuobushi (dried bonito) during the Edo–Meiji periods. It was during this time that INABA established its reputation for quality, freshness, and advanced fish-processing techniques, marking a pivotal transition from “trader” to a true fish specialist.
In the early Meiji era, INABA began exporting products overseas, laying the foundation for a global brand mindset at an early stage—an important DNA that continues to define the company today.
1948
In 1948, INABA was officially established as INABA FOODS, launching canned tuna products for human consumption. Leveraging its deep expertise in tuna, the company elevated seafood standards with a strong emphasis on Japanese quality and food safety.
1958
In 1958, INABA reached a major industry turning point by becoming one of the pioneers of premium pet food. The company established a dedicated pet food division and began producing products to Human Grade standards—exporting to the United States and Italy (under the Petreet brand) decades before the global pet food industry experienced significant growth.
1971
The year 1971 marked the introduction of INABA Light Tuna, an innovation that truly reflected INABA’s mastery of fish. Made from real tuna meat—not trimmings—the product was lightly seasoned to preserve the fish’s natural flavor. Packaged in a slim, portable can and suitable as a healthy food option, it reinforced INABA’s core belief in “Freshness.”
1989
In 1989, INABA clearly defined Japan’s identity in pet food with the launch of the CIAO brand.
CIAO combines Human Grade standards with premium seafood quality and a deep understanding of pets’ needs—concretely elevating Japan’s pet food market.
2006
In 2006, Thailand became INABA’s secondary global production hub, supported by abundant raw materials, strong factory capabilities, cost efficiency, and a robust supply chain. With a fully integrated production system and strict quality control, Thailand has grown into a key manufacturing center for both human food and pet food products.
2012
Another major milestone followed in 2012 with the birth of Churu, the world’s first stick-type creamy cat treat. This groundbreaking innovation transformed the global cat treat category by combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with emotional bonding between people and cats, becoming an iconic product of the CIAO brand.
Today, INABA is globally recognized:
Brand of the Year, two consecutive years (2017 & 2019)
Ranked by Euromonitor as “The World’s No.1 Brand of Cat Wet Treats.”
INABA remains firmly rooted in its founding strengths—fish expertise, Japanese quality, and continuous innovation—to deliver happiness and strengthen the bond between people and their pets around the world.
INABA
INABA remains firmly rooted in its founding strengths—deep expertise in fish,
uncompromising Japanese quality, and continuous innovation—dedicated to delivering
happiness and strengthening the bond between people and their pets around the world.
世界の猫を喜ばす
Delighting Cats & Dogs Around the World
Building a new future for pet food, grounded in a proven foundation of production.
We will continue to deliver the very best pet food products to the world with pride, guided by
the traditions and values of a Japanese company.
Our motto is: “Never Imitating – Never Imitated.”
