site.btaLB Bulgaricum, Meiji's Joint Research Laboratory Expected to Open in First Half of 2026, Says Economy Ministry

A joint-research laboratory of LB Bulgaricum EAD and Meiji is expected to open in the first half of 2026, it transpired during talks between Economy Minister Peter Dilov and Chief Executive Officer of Meiji Holdings Co Katsunari Matsuda at the company's headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday, the Economy Ministry said. The laboratory's primary objective will be to further investigate the health benefits of traditional Bulgarian yoghurt.

The discussion centred on developing relations between LB Bulgaricum and Meiji in new directions, incorporating recent scientific and technological advances and expanding the production of new products. The meeting also highlighted the strategic partnership and the agreement signed in October 2024 to establish joint research and development activities through the creation of a joint laboratory.

The two sides confirmed that opening the joint research centre in Bulgaria is of the utmost importance. The Bulgarian side noted that their cooperation with the Japanese company extends beyond the supply of know-how and starter cultures to encompass joint research and development on the health benefits of yoghurt and the creation of production technologies.

Dilov emphasized that the partnership between the state-owned company affiliated with the Economy Ministry and Japan's Meiji is an excellent example of mutual trust and shared values that contribute to the sustainable development of bilateral economic relations. Thanks to this cooperation, Bulgarian yoghurt is now recognized by nearly 95% of Japanese people, with over 20 million starting their day with it. More than 50 years of collaboration with Meiji has resulted in the Bulgarian yoghurt brand being recognized not only in Japan, but also in other Asian countries, he added.

The Ministry noted that Meiji is the largest producer of dairy products in Japan. Its product range includes fresh milk, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese and other dairy products, as well as a variety of healthy foods and beverages.

Attending the meeting were Meiji Chief Operating Officer of the Food Segment, Member of the Board and Executive Officer, Bunjiro Yao, and Bulgaria's Ambassador to Japan, Marieta Arabadjieva.

On Monday, Dilov announced that Bulgaria and Japan are entering a new strategic phase in their bilateral economic cooperation. He attended the official closing ceremony of the EXPO 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, which ran from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and was attended by representatives of around 160 countries.