Hokko Chemical’s crop protection business sales down 1% in FY 2016

Since its establishment in 1950, Hokko has been actively engaged in crop protection products business in the Japanese market as a leading manufacturer/distributor. In the field of specialty chemicals, especially application of organometalic chemistry, Hokko has also established its secure position in manufacturing new technology-intensive and high value-added products, which has led Hokko to enjoy the leading manufacturer in the world market of fine chemicals. Hokko’s research efforts are now focused on developing new products in the sectors of fast-growing specialty chemicals and biotechnology.

In the fine chemicals business unit, Hokko has utilized its outstanding Grignard reaction technology to successfully develop speciality styrene monomers for high-precision photo-resist applications.

Hokko has maintained a close relationship with ZEN-NOH, Japan's National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, which has had a predominantly powerful influence on Japan's overall agricultural industry. Accordingly, in Japan, almost all of Hokko's crop protection products sales are channeled through ZEN-NOH, which has resulted in Hokko occupying about 10% of the domestic crop protection products market share.