WIRED Japan names four pioneers in its 2025 Regenerative Food Awards

WIRED Japan has announced the four winners of its Regenerative Company Award 2025, this year focusing on the theme of “regenerative food.” The award recognises businesses that actively work to restore social, ecological and economic systems. The selected companies range from a food-tech startup tackling hidden food loss to a consultancy promoting environmentally restorative fisheries.

Now in its third year, the award evaluates companies based on three core principles of regeneration: creating a positive impact for all stakeholders, generating plural forms of capital beyond financial returns, and intervening to repair complex systems. The winners were chosen by WIRED Japan’s editorial team following recommendations from a panel of advisors.

One of the winners, ASTRA FOOD PLAN, is a food-tech startup that addresses hidden food loss, such as the 20 million tonnes of vegetable scraps and off-spec produce from food factories. Using a proprietary superheated steam roasting machine, the company upcycles this waste into high-value, additive-free food powders. A partnership with Yoshinoya Holdings to process 250 tonnes of onion scraps annually demonstrates its business model, which aims to be more profitable than discarding.

Japanese Botanical Laboratory was recognised for its work in identifying and commercialising underutilised plant resources from Japan’s mountains. The research institute develops new spices and herbs, creating new cultural and economic value from overlooked flora. This approach aims to contribute to the revitalisation of forestry and a sustainable food supply.

Overview Coffee was selected for its commitment to regenerative organic farming. The company exclusively sources beans from farms that use or are transitioning to these methods to improve soil health and address climate change. It also composts its coffee chaff and grounds.

The fourth winner, UMITO Partners, is a consultancy dedicated to creating a positive relationship between the sea and people. The organisation connects diverse stakeholders, including fishers, researchers, local governments and consumers, to build new marine ecosystems. Its projects promote environmentally restorative fisheries by integrating voluntary resource management with seaweed bed conservation.

WIRED Japan plans to release in-depth interviews with each of the winning companies on its website.