FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES LTD.

Food & Life Companies (F&LC) announced that it will open its first U.S. sushi conveyor belt restaurant, Sushiro, near Times Square in New York in October. President Masahiro Yamamoto revealed this at a briefing held locally on August 31. The menu will feature nigiri sushi such as tuna and shrimp starting at $5 (about 800 yen) per plate, with otoro (fatty tuna) at $10. There will also be U.S.-exclusive items like the $14 "Ebi W Cheese Roll." Yamamoto said, "We thought about taking on the challenge in New York, the world's largest city where information is disseminated globally." The restaurant will feature a system for ordering via large displays, many table seats, and Japanese-style private rooms. Tipping will not be required.

Food & Life Companies shares have risen 10% as mounting global food inflation concerns draw attention to the company's investment narrative. A looming 'super' El Niño, geopolitically driven energy costs, and a produce-linked parasite outbreak are intensifying fears of food supply disruptions and persistent price pressures. The company's brand strength, international Sushiro footprint, and expanding supply chain, including the Kyoritsu marine aquaculture joint venture, are seen as key factors that could justify a premium valuation. However, risks remain around margin protection if input costs climb further and the potential for consumers to cut discretionary dining. The Simply Wall St community fair value estimate clusters around ¥6,561, indicating limited dispersion in retail views.