Why source from Japan
Wakayama Nanko ume holds GI protection; Kishu-Nanko has been the gold standard for umeboshi production for 400+ years.
Key spec
Citric acid 6–12% (concentrate); muramic acid traces; total organic acid 8–18% in bainiku-ekisu.
Typical end-product
Premium umeboshi for export, ume-positioned functional supplements, fine-dining ume condiments and dessert glazes.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg paste; 1–10 kg cosmetic extract
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks (food); 8–14 weeks (cosmetic)
- Regions of origin
- Wakayama (>60%, Nanko cultivar GI), Nara, Gunma, Mie
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- June (early ume) – mid-July (mature)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; FFC notifications exist for digestive support; CosIng comparable
- INCI name
- Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
- Japanese name
- 梅エキス
- Romaji
- Ume Ekisu
About this ingredient
Concentrated extract of ume (Prunus mume) fruit, the basis of umeboshi, umeshu (plum liqueur), and umejam. Wakayama produces over 60% of Japan's ume by volume — its 'Nanko' cultivar is a registered GI variety. Concentrated ume (bainiku-ekisu) is a traditional functional food positioned for digestive and metabolic support, and its citric acid + organic acids profile drives both food and cosmetic applications. Used in candy, beverages, fermented condiments, and increasingly as a flavour-and-functional input for export positioning.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; FFC notifications exist for digestive support; CosIng comparable |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; CosIng listed (Prunus Mume Fruit Extract) |
| United States | GRAS by long history of use; MoCRA cosmetic use |
| China | GACC food facility registration; NMPA cosmetic NCI |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Ume (Japanese Plum) Extract is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Soy Isoflavones & Equol
大豆イソフラボン・エクオール
Glycine max (soybean); Lactococcus 20-92 (for Equol fermentation) source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1 kg (concentrate) – 100 kg (lower-concentration grades).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Japanese Bamboo Charcoal
日本産竹炭
Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo); Hachiku Bamboo source; MOQ from 100g – 1kg (retail); 500g – 10kg+ (B2B wholesale).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Ume (Japanese Plum) Extract faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Morinaga & Co., Ltd.
森永製菓株式会社
TokyoEst. 1918English supportExport experienceUme-positioned confectionery line
Kametani Tea Co., Ltd.
亀谷製茶
NaraEst. 1982English supportExport experienceISO 22000Organic JASUme seasoning and condiment
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05