Cool-Japan Co., Ltd. has signed a global sales and agency agreement with Mazzetta Company LLC to expand the distribution of its frozen sushi brand Ao Sushi in the United States.
The agreement takes effect on 1 December 2025 and allows Ao Sushi to be supplied to supermarkets, restaurants, and seafood businesses across the US through Mazzetta’s national distribution network.
Background: Ao Sushi and frozen sushi innovation
Cool-Japan Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, develops and sells frozen sushi products designed to recreate the taste and texture of freshly prepared sushi.
The company’s flagship product, Ao Sushi, uses a patented thawing technology developed over three years. The process allows frozen sushi to be thawed in around 18 minutes using water, while maintaining flavour, texture, and appearance.
Cool-Japan says the technology makes it possible to deliver consistent, high-quality sushi at scale, helping bring authentic Japanese cuisine to overseas markets. The company’s stated goal is to “share the excitement across borders” and promote Japanese food culture globally.
What The Agreement Covers
Under the new agreement, Mazzetta Company LLC will act as global sales agent and distributor for Ao Sushi in the US market.
Mazzetta is a well-established frozen seafood processor and distributor, handling more than 900 seafood products and supplying over 100 million pounds annually across the US. Its nationwide logistics and customer support infrastructure will be used to supply Ao Sushi to retail and foodservice customers.
For Cool-Japan, the partnership provides a stable route to market, quality control, and access to supermarket and wholesale buyers across the country.
Leadership comments
Hiroyuki Kakinuma, Representative Director and CEO of Cool-Japan Co., Ltd., said the partnership aligns closely with the company’s mission.
“Cool-Japan Co., Ltd. was established to deliver Japanese food and culture to the world. Our goal is to create authentic Japanese cuisine that satisfies both body and mind, using the natural flavours of ingredients without adding anything extra.”
He added that working with Mazzetta would strengthen the company’s ability to deliver safe and high-quality food internationally.
Zachary Mazzetta, Vice President of Mazzetta Company LLC, said the agreement brings together tradition and innovation.
“I am very pleased that Mazzetta Company LLC has entered into a global partnership with Cool-Japan to bring the true flavour of Japan to the world. This collaboration combines traditional Japanese culinary techniques with innovative product development.”
Future Plans And US Market Focus
Looking ahead, Cool-Japan plans to:
Expand Ao Sushi distribution across the US retail and wholesale market
Develop new frozen sushi products tailored to US consumer preferences
Work jointly with Mazzetta on quality improvement and category growth
Both companies highlighted a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and long-term customer value, particularly within the frozen seafood and ready-to-eat categories.
What This Means For Buyers And Wholesalers
For supermarket buyers and wholesalers, the partnership offers access to a premium frozen sushi range with:
Consistent quality and fast thawing
Strong Japanese authenticity credentials
A scalable supply model backed by a national US distributor
As demand grows for convenient, authentic international food, Ao Sushi provides a differentiated option within frozen and ready-meal ranges, building on formats and quality expectations shaped by grocery stores in Japan.
Editor’s note: This article is based on official announcements and company information issued by Cool-Japan Co., Ltd. and Mazzetta Company LLC in December 2025.
