ITO EN Makes FORTUNE Magazine's "Change The World List 2016"

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ITO EN, the world's leading green tea beverage company was ranked #18 by FORTUNE Magazine's "50 Companies That Are Changing The World". The 2016 list recognizes companies that have made significant progress in sustainable, scalable approaches to address social problems as a core in their business strategy and innovation. Companies were ranked based on the three criteria of measurable social impact, business results and degree of innovation.

Recognized for growing new jobs in Japan's struggling farming sector, ITO EN has been driving the Tea-Producing Region Development Project, an enterprise that puts the country's 400,000 hectares of abandoned farmland and its unemployed workers to use. Partnering with regional farmers and governments, the company helps stimulate local economies by bringing technological assistance to revitalize dormant farms, develop sustainable procurement practices and nurture a new generation of tea farmers as old farmers retire.

"The ITO EN Group is extremely honored to be included in FORTUNE's Change the World List," says Rona Tison, Sr. V.P. of Corporate Relations for ITO EN (North America) INC. "Creating shared value and enhancing the sustainability of our society and environment, lies at the very heart of our business. Our commitment and initiatives are long-term, as we strive for positive change in the world."

FORTUNE also recognized ITO EN for their recycling of tea leaves, transforming 49,000 tons of used tea leaves from their beverage production into 50 million cardboard boxes for its own products annually. The company has developed more than 30 recycled products in partnership with companies manufacturing building materials, vending machines, benches and household goods.

About ITO EN:

ITO EN (Japan) LTD., is a global leader in green tea and innovative beverages dedicated to creating quality products that embody the company's five principles of natural, healthy, safe, well-designed and delicious. With subsidiaries in North America, the company is committed to cultivating an authentic green tea culture worldwide by marketing their award-winning brands TEAS' TEA®, Oi Ocha, ITO EN Shots, Matcha Green and Matcha LOVE®. Other U.S. subsidiaries include Distant Lands Coffee and Mason Vitamins.

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SOURCE ITO EN

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