January 12/Tokyo/Press Release -- Ajinomoto Co. said it will aim to expand its consumer food business in the North American market by reorganizing its U.S. units in April to integrate operations for dried foods, such as seasonings and processed foods, with those of frozen fare.

Under the reorganization, the Tokyo-based food maker will integrate Ajinomoto North America Inc.'s consumer food division with Ajinomoto Frozen Foods U.S.A. Inc.'s development, marketing and sales divisions.

Ajinomoto North America's consumer food division will be transferred from Los Angeles to Portland, Ore., where Ajinomoto Frozen Foods is located, to integrate development and marketing of consumer foods.

North America's consumer food market was estimated at ¥63 trillion in 2011 and has seen annual growth of 1% over the past five years, according to Ajinomoto.