Case Study
- Depositer
- Oven
- Cupcake
Nampo
Nampo, the company responsible for launching Barakan Beniimo in spring 2023, was established in 1984 as a souvenir wholesaler. In 1999, it ventured into confectionery production. Alongside establishing a mass production system, the company expanded its operations to include a salt factory and an agricultural processing plant as affiliated entities, aiming to harness the richness of Okinawan ingredients in its products.
The Barakan brand, conceived around the idea of an “edible bouquet,” secured the top spot in Japan’s popular confectionery ranking for airport sales in the October 2023 issue of Nikkei Trendy. Following this success, in November 2023, Nampo introduced Barakan Ichigo, featuring rare Okinawan strawberries, as the second offering in the series.
Under the leadership of President Mutsuko Asato, who assumed office in 2016, the company embraced the philosophy of “Let’s savor confectionery to the fullest!” This led to a comprehensive overhaul of packaging and product offerings, aiming for vibrant aesthetics and heightened consumer enjoyment.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company adopted a forward-looking approach, stating, “Rather than banking solely on the recovery of tourism, let’s anticipate and pursue the next innovation.” Consequently, they made the strategic decision to repurpose the first floor of their factory, formerly a warehouse, into a new production line.
After approximately two years of development, Barakan Beniimo was launched, marking another milestone for the company. Building upon the insights gained from this endeavor, they are now progressively advancing further initiatives.
In 2023, the company unveiled +TASUTO, a biscuit crafted from Okinawan soy pulp, built around the concept of “enhancing bodily wellness.” With plans for nationwide distribution, starting with sales at dispensing pharmacies and sports clubs within the prefecture, it is positioned as a health-conscious offering.
Looking ahead, the entire organization is committed to transcending its identity as a tourist-centric confectionery manufacturer in Okinawa. The aim is to evolve into a comprehensive confectionery producer, continually embracing challenges and driving innovation.
Location：3-21-2 Akebono, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
URL：https://e-nampo.com/
Publication：MASDAC news April issue in 2024
Fully Automated Cupcake Line（SD3,STO）
In December 2022, Nampo integrated a fully automated cupcake line for the production of Barakan Beniimo. Presently, this line serves dual purposes, including the production of Barakan Ichigo as part of the Barakan series, yielding 15,000 cupcakes daily with a team of five. Upon the equipment’s introduction, a comprehensive support system was established. Masdac’s follow-up post-equipment installation garnered high praise, emphasizing user-centric assistance. The fully automated cupcake line is strategically configured for future scalability, with one filling depositor preemptively installed. This supplementary depositor proves invaluable on days when both Barakan varieties are in production, minimizing changeover durations. Furthermore, the company has already initiated product development efforts to maximize the equipment’s potential.
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Barakan Beniimo: Crafted from beniimo sweet potatoes, and Barakan Ichigo: Infused with succulent strawberries.Barakan Beniimo: Crafted from beniimo sweet potatoes, and Barakan Ichigo: Infused with succulent strawberries.
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Cup dispenser effortlessly supplies cups, followed by meticulous camera inspection. Next, two distinct fillings are delicately dispensed.Cup dispenser effortlessly supplies cups, followed by meticulous camera inspection. Next, two distinct fillings are delicately dispensed.
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Barakan Beniimo in productionBarakan Beniimo in production
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Freshly baked Barakan are cooled on the conveyor belt, meticulously removed, then seamlessly transitioned to the cup lid dispenser.
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The cup lids are automatically applied, and the finished confections are then sent to the packaging process.
Reference
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