| 1924 |
The predecessor of Bourbon was "Kita-Nihon Seika", which originated from the long-established Japanese confectionery shop "Matsumoya" in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture. Its founder, Yoshida Yoshizo, saw the complete halt of confectionery supply to rural areas due to the Great Kanto Earthquake and decided to establish a mass production factory for confectionery in the countryside. In 1924, he started this business in front of Kashiwazaki Station with a capital of 100,000 yen, producing biscuits. |
| 1924 |
Bulbon Co., Ltd. observed the dire situation where confectionery supply to the countryside was halted due to the Great Kanto Earthquake, and decided to produce sweets at a mass‑production factory in the region. In 1924, it was founded in Kakushika City, Niigata Prefecture, as "Kita Nippon Seika". Continuing operations across a century, despite being struck by numerous disasters, we have reached today thanks entirely to your support, for which we are deeply grateful. |
| 1925 |
Production of drops began, using a domestically manufactured machine. |
| 1927 |
Installed Biscuit Model 2. Imported a drops machine to aim for increased production. Capital increased to 200,000 yen. |
| 1932 |
Released chewing gum and tobacco confectionery. Opened a sales office in Tokyo. Adopted a container proposed by the National Railway and Kita-Nihon. The first shipment was transported from Kashiwazaki to Akihabara. |
| 1934 |
Started manufacturing rice crackers. |
| 1937 |
Started supplying field rations, kanpan, powdered miso, and sweeteners to the army. |
| 1940 |
Established Kita-Nihon Trading Co., Ltd., later renamed Kita-Nihon Agriculture Co., Ltd. (engaged in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries). Additionally, established Kashiwazaki Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd., which was dissolved after the war. |
| 1945 |
From 1942, produced military supplies, but production was halted due to the end of the war. In October, permission was granted to convert the factory to civilian goods, producing kanpan and powdered food for repatriates. |
| 1948 |
Started production of infant nutrition biscuits. |
| 1949 |
Started production of miso, soy sauce, and caramel. |
| 1952 |
Renamed the company to Kitajapan Food Industries Co., Ltd. |
| 1953 |
Started production of gold sugar and China marble. |
| 1954 |
In June 1954, Yoshida Junji (second generation) became president. Capital increased to 40 million yen, and the company listed its shares on the Niigata Stock Exchange. |
| 1954 |
The second president, Junji Yoshida, assumed the presidency in June 1954. Capital increased to 40 million yen, and shares were listed on the Niigata Stock Exchange. |
| 1957 |
Installed and started operation of the first Biscuit Band Oven. |
| 1961 |
Released Hagoita arare. (Released in the current bag format the following year) |
| 1961 |
Released "Hagori Arare" (shaved ice). |
| 1961 |
Filed trademarks for confectionery, tea, coffee, cocoa, etc., in Showa 36, and acquired rights in Showa 38. |
| 1962 |
Entered the bean snack division. |
| 1963 |
Capital of 100 million yen. Established a new Arahama factory in the suburbs of Kashiwazaki City. (Currently Kashiwazaki factory) |
| 1964 |
In July 1964, Yoshida Takashi (third generation) became president. |
| 1964 |
The third president, Takashi Yoshida, assumed the presidency in July 1964. |
| 1965 |
Released White Lolita. |
| 1965 |
Released "White Lolita". |
| 1966 |
Successfully automated the first rice confectionery in Japan, establishing a mass production system for thin-yaki. |
| 1967 |
Opened a Tokyo branch office. |
| 1968 |
Moved headquarters to the Arahama factory. Opened Osaka and Nagoya branch offices. |
| 1968 |
Moved headquarters to Arahama Factory. Opened branch offices in Osaka and Nagoya. |
| 1969 |
Established a new Kaku factory. (Currently Niigata factory). Opened Kobe and Yokohama branch offices. |
| 1969 |
Established a new factory (now Niigata Factory). Opened branch offices in Kobe and Yokohama. |
| 1970 |
Released Raisin Sandwich. |
| 1970 |
Released "Raspberry Sandwich". |
| 1971 |
Started establishing a nationwide sales network. |
| 1971 |
Annual sales of 8.6 billion yen. Nationwide sales network construction began. |
| 1972 |
Released Luberra. |
| 1972 |
Released "Rubeola". Annual sales of 11.4 billion yen. Established a new factory in Oga (now Joetsu Factory). |
| 1973 |
Annual sales of 14.7 billion yen. Capital of 250 million yen. |
| 1974 |
Released the super-large product Rumando. By mass-producing high-end cookies for gifts, it became a huge hit, achieving a record monthly sales of 2 billion yen. |
| 1974 |
Annual sales of 20 billion yen. Released the super‑size product "Rumando". Mass‑produced high‑end cookies for gifting, achieving a record monthly sales of 2 billion yen, becoming a huge hit. |
| 1975 |
Established the Washima factory. The 150-yen packaged biscuits received great acclaim. |
| 1975 |
The 150-yen packaged biscuits received great acclaim. |
| 1975 |
Annual sales of 40.5 billion yen. Established the Wajima Factory. The 150‑yen packaged biscuits were very popular. Capital of 500 million yen. |
| 1976 |
Poterka released. |
| 1976 |
Established the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation. |
| 1976 |
Annual sales of 40.5 billion yen. Released "Potelka". Established the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation. |
| 1977 |
Chocolier released. |
| 1978 |
Balm Roll released. |
| 1978 |
Annual sales of 47 billion yen. Expanded sales network to over 100 locations nationwide. Released "Baum Roll". |
| 1979 |
Pikkara and Erize released. |
| 1979 |
Annual sales of 47 billion yen. Expanded sales network to over 100 locations nationwide. Released "Baum Roll". |
| 1980 |
Ami Gonomi released. |
| 1980 |
Annual sales of 56.5 billion yen. Released "Migonomi". |
| 1981 |
Pikkara won the gold award at Mond Selection. |
| 1981 |
Annual sales of 63.8 billion yen. Established the Muka Factory. "Pikara" won the Gold Award at Mond Selection. |
| 1982 |
Silvan released. |
| 1982 |
Annual sales of 68.4 billion yen. Entered the chocolate division. Released "Silvane". |
| 1983 |
Fruit Jelly released. |
| 1983 |
Entered the gummy market. Launched "Fruit Jelly". |
| 1984 |
Cheese Okaki released. |
| 1984 |
Entered the candy division. |
| 1984 |
Pure Cut 3 items and Kandy 2 items released. |
| 1984 |
Launched cheese rice crackers. Annual sales of 77.5 billion yen. Entered the candy division. Launched "Pure Cut 3 items, Daiso 2 items". |
| 1986 |
Choco Anpan released. |
| 1986 |
Cubii Lopp released. |
| 1986 |
Annual sales of 76.1 billion yen. Launched chocolate bread. |
| 1987 |
Bit released. |
| 1988 |
Family Size released. |
| 1988 |
Annual sales of 74.5 billion yen. Launched family size. |
| 1989 |
High Chocolate Series released. |
| 1989 |
Murakami factory established. |
| 1989 |
In Heisei 1, to unify the "Bourbon" brand and company name, the company name was changed from "Northern Japan Food Industry Co., Ltd." to "Bourbon Corporation," and now all brands including biscuits, rice crackers, desserts, and beverages are unified under "Bourbon," continuing to this day. |
| 1989-06-01 |
On June 1, 1989, the brand name and company name, long familiar under the trademark 'Bourbon', were unified, and the company started anew as 'Bourbon Co., Ltd.'. |
| 1989-06-01 |
Unified the brand name and company name, which had been familiar under the trademark "Bourbon" for many years, and started anew as "Bourbon Co., Ltd.". Launched Hi Choco series. Established Murakami Factory. |
| 1990 |
Corn Flakes released. |
| 1990 |
Entered the cereal market. Launched "Corn Flakes". |
| 1993 |
New Hagujo factory established. |
| 1993 |
Entered the gum business. |
| 1993 |
Annual sales of 95.2 billion yen. Established Hagurosan Factory. Increased capital to 1.03 billion yen. Entered the gum market. |
| 1994 |
Launched Alfort. |
| 1994 |
Annual sales of 106.2 billion yen. Mass production of wheat flour rice crackers. Launched Alfort. |
| 1995 |
Released natural mineral water and ion water. |
| 1995 |
Entered the dessert division. |
| 1995 |
Annual sales of 100.4 billion yen. Launched natural mineral water and ion water. Sent products as relief supplies during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake by coincidence. Entered the dessert division. |
| 1996 |
Annual sales of 91.2 billion yen. Yoshida Yasushi became president in January of Heisei 8. Launched powdered cocoa and Petit series. |
| 1997 |
Started supporting the Mornings Classics. |
| 1998 |
Annual sales of 85.6 billion yen. Established Toyoura Factory. Launched Komyun Case Gum. Joined the Leeman Group. Acquired ISO9002 certification. |
| 1998 |
The trademark "Bourbon" was devised by former President Takashi Yoshida (3rd generation) who passed away suddenly in Heisei 8. There are no records regarding its origin, and it is uncertain. |
| 1999 |
Annual sales of 91.2 billion yen. Launched Petit Potato. Changed packaging materials to non-chlorine-based. Started switching uniforms to recycled PET bottles. |
| 2000 |
Annual sales of 93.1 billion yen. Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Acquired ISO14001 certification. |
| 2003 |
Launched GID Doctor and Alfort. Entered the chocolate bar market. |
| 2004 |
Annual sales of 84.1 billion yen. Formulated code of conduct and guidelines, established a helpline. Issued environmental report. Established Gosen Factory. |
| 2005 |
Annual sales of 86.2 billion yen. Established product development center. Obtained ISO14001 certification at Ogata Factory. Opened Health Science Research Institute. Started deploying Petit Molu vending machines. |
| 2006 |
Annual sales of 91.7 billion yen. HACCP approval at Hagurosan Factory. ISO22000 certification at Toyoura Factory. Acquired Privacy Mark. Won True Food Award. |
| 2007 |
Annual sales of 93.5 billion yen. Obtained approval for the display of specific health food. Established a sales company in Shanghai. Donated to charity. |
| 2008 |
Annual sales of 96.5 billion yen. Opened the first store of the Paris high-end chocolatier "Ala Renaud Astrid". Started production of Petit series. |
| 2009 |
Annual sales of 101.3 billion yen. Launch of vinegar-style products. Absorption and merger of 9 subsidiaries. |
| 2010 |
Annual sales of 102.1 billion yen. Launch of Slower. Grouping of Echigo Beer. Almond Rush wins Food Hit Award. |
| 2011 |
Annual sales of 102.4 billion yen. Donation of aid funds. Fettuccine Gummy wins Food Hit Award. Partnership agreement with Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences. Establishment of "BOURBON Foods Corporation" in Washington D.C., USA. |
| 2013 |
Annual sales of 102.4 billion yen. Modal shift promotion project certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Awarded for Green Logistics Partnership. Launch of Rich Chocolate Brownie. Support for establishment of Donald Keene Center Kashiwazaki. |
| 2014 |
Annual sales of 103.8 billion yen. Warehouse expansion at Niigata Minami Factory. Entry into the popcorn market. |
| 2015 |
Annual sales of 104.9 billion yen. Completion of new headquarters building. Entry into chilled business. Launch of sliced raw chocolate. |
| 2016 |
Annual sales of 109.5 billion yen. Launch of Lumonde Ice. Four employees selected for the Japan men's water polo team. Participation in Rio de Janeiro Olympics. |
| 2017 |
Annual sales of 112.9 billion yen. Establishment of health declaration. Sliced raw chocolate wins Food Hit Award. Entry into regenerative medicine reagent business. Certified as Sports Yell Company. |
| 2018 |
Annual sales of 117.6 billion yen. Acquired White 500 for excellent health management corporation. Lumonde Ice wins Food Hit Award. |
| 2019 |
Annual sales of 112.9 billion yen. Continued health declaration. Sliced raw chocolate wins Food Hit Award. Continued reagent business. Certified as Sports Yell Company. |
| 2020 |
Established the "Amabiko Amabe Monument" to pray for the eradication of COVID-19 and to convey the situation of the spread to future generations. |
| 2020 |
Started in-house production of masks using Japanese-made materials. |
| 2020 |
Annual sales of 117.5 billion yen. Erected monument praying for the eradication of COVID-19. Started in-house mask manufacturing. |
| 2021 |
Started selling in-house produced masks. |
| 2021 |
Released "Luxury Rumand", a richer-tasting version of the regular Rumand using fermented butter. |
| 2021 |
Annual sales of 118.4 billion yen. Started selling masks. Launch of Luxurious Lumonde. |
| 2022 |
Fishina factory completed. |
| 2022 |
Absorbed and merged with Hokuriku Hagujo Foods Co., Ltd. |
| 2022 |
Fishina factory completed. Released "Snow Chamber Chocolate", made from cocoa beans aged in an attached cold room. |
| 2022 |
Annual sales of 94.4 billion yen. Completion of Uonuma Factory. Launch of Snow Chamber Chocolate. Absorption and merger of Hokuriku Hagu Food. |
| 2023 |
Released Alfort mini chocolate sablé. |
| 2023 |
Acquired shares of Marukin Co., Ltd., which manufactures and sells Baumkuchen, petit cakes, etc. |
| 2023 |
Annual sales of 97.3 billion yen. Launch of Alfort Mini Chocolate Cookies. Acquisition of Marukin shares. |
| 2024 |
Opened "An Bourbon" at JR Niigata Station. |
| 2024 |
Announced acquisition of the former Sapporo Brewery Nasu plant in Tochigi Prefecture as a production base for future business expansion, including Etigo Beer Co., Ltd. |
| 2024 |
Annual sales of 103.7 billion yen. Opened Ann-Bourbon at Niigata Station. Celebrated 100th anniversary. Announced acquisition of Nasu Factory in Tochigi Prefecture. |
| 2024-11 |
In November, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary. |
| 2024-11 |
Thanks to your support, Bulbon Co., Ltd. celebrated its 100th anniversary in November 2024. As we advance our business toward the next 100, 1,000, and ultimately an enduring corporate group, the environment surrounding us is undergoing major turning points in politics, economics, society, and technology. To continue growing as a company, we must not only rely on past experience but also embrace new ideas and technologies in our challenges. |
| 2025 |
Acquired naming rights to "Murakami Skate Park" in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. The name is "Bourbon Skate Park Murakami". |
| 2025 |
Signed a memorandum of understanding with a local Vietnamese company to secure stable cocoa bean supply and promote local industry development. |
| 2025-06 |
President appointed in June 2025. |
| 2025-06 |
Masayoshi Yoshida appointed as President and Representative Director. Acquired naming rights for Murakami Skate Park. Signed memorandum on cacao bean procurement with Vietnam. |
