Corporate History

1975

1975

  • Ozawa was first to market the health benefits of Japanese green tea and green tea matcha powder.
2
1985

1985

  • Incorporated and became the first company in Canada to distribute green tea ice cream along with other premium Japanese food products
1990

1990

  • Began the sales of Premium Sakes and Asahi Beer. First distributor to distribute Junmai Daiginjo sake in North America.
1995

1995

  • First to market shochu (traditional Japanese spirit) to Canada.
1
1997

1997

  • Asahi Beer becomes the number 1 beer in Japan. Ozawa successfully positioned Asahi as a favourite among beer enthusiasts and restaurants across Canada. 
1999

1999

  • Official Agent of Takara Sake USA and Takara Shuzo.
2004

2004

  • Started importing and distributing sustainable Hamachi/Buri (Toro Hamachi) from Ehime, Japan.
2005-08

2005 - 2008

  • First to distribute premium Japanese whisky from The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. to the LCBO and SAQ (Canada) 
  • Introduced Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt, Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, and Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt in Canada. 
2010

2010

  • Successfully introduced the award winning Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 yr old Whisky in Canada.

2011

  • Successfully promoted premium sake in the first LCBO hosted “Sake 101 Event”..

2012

  • Co-founded Kampai Toronto — Festival of Sake — the largest sake festival in Canada.
  • Ozawa's president became the founding president of the Sake Institute of Ontario.
2013 MIO

2013

  • Launched Mio Sparkling Sake, Japan’s most popular Sparkling Sake brand.
  • Acquired the privilege to represent Tatenokawa premium sakes from Yamagata, Japan (Yamagata Prefecture GI was awarded in 2015)
2016

2016

  • Launched Japan’s most popular craft beer, Hitachino Nest Craft Beer in Toronto and Montreal, Canada!
  • The SIO hosted the Toronto International Sake Challenge (TISC) at the JCCC where Ozawa Canada was a major contributor.
2017

2017

  • Moved into a new facility, tripled in size.

2019

  • Started importing and distributing Ten no Tsubu Super Premium Sushi rice to top Japanese restaurants in Toronto.
  • Ozawa hosted an epic Sake Portfolio Event in September with its major sake

2022

  • Shotaro elected President of the Sake Institute of Ontario again for the 4th
  • Lead the SIO to record breaking successful Kampai Toronto Sake Festival post COVID-19 lockdown.
2023

2023

  • Started to distribute Wagyu from Kagoshima, Japan in Canada.
  • Launched Ariake Premium Yakinori from Japan – Top tier Japanese restaurants now consistently order our Ariake Premium Japanese Yakinori.
  • Ozawa Canada’s Shotaro appointed as the Advisor for Agri-Food JETRO
2024-1
2024-2

2024

  • Ozawa's President gives speech at opening reception of the 3rd LCBO East Asia Destination store on behalf of the Sake Institute of Ontario and Ozawa Canada Inc.
  • Launched the sale of Orion The Draft Beer from Okinawa, Japan with tremendous success!
  • Shotaro is elected President of the Sake Institute of Ontario again for the  5th time.
  • Ozawa is appointed the Sake Coordinator for Japan’s NTA to help promote Sake in Canada.
  • Shotaro joins the JCCC Board of Directors in September
  • Commenced Fresh Fish and Seafood business from Toyosu Japan with Tsukiji Ohta Group.
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