For the team at Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA), crafting delicious and feel-good frozen meals has always been about more than just food—it’s more about creating joy, connection, and purpose in the everyday. Now, that people-first philosophy has earned them the national recognition.

Inspiring Workplaces Group (IW), a company that honors businesses that put employee well-being and culture first, has designated AFNA as a “Best in Class” winner in the Culture and Purpose category. The recognition asserts that AFNA is an exceptional workplace where individuals truly feel connected to the mission of the company as well as to each other.

At the core of AFNA’s success is a powerful yet simple principle: food has the ability to improve well-being and connect people. This ideology is more than a company slogan—it’s built into the way the business works day to day. Whether it’s an employee having a meal with co-workers, a production employee taking pride in their job, or leadership spending money on significant development opportunities, purpose comes first.

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“We are truly honored to be named a ‘Best in Class’ winner for Culture and Purpose,” said Hiroshi Kaho, President and CEO of AFNA. “This recognition demonstrates our strong dedication to building an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and enabled to make a positive difference. When we lead with purpose and put our people first, we build a place that is inspiring to work.”

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AFNA’s culture isn’t just built on intentions—it’s lived out through a shared set of values that influence everything from leadership styles to sustainability efforts. Employees are encouraged to take pride in caring for one another and are reminded that they’re all part of one unified team working toward a greater good. It’s a culture where respect, quality, and joy aren’t just buzzwords—they’re practiced behaviors.

The Culture and Purpose award category celebrates organizations that successfully connect what they do to why they do it. For AFNA, that “why” is unmistakable. Every frozen dish they ideate and craft and every employee initiative they launch is grounded in a commitment to improving lives—inside and outside the company walls.

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