@Toyota: Toyota Tsusho and Unicharm Commence Production and Sales for the Popularization of Sanitary Products in Kenya- Aiming to Contribute to Women’s Social Advancement and Solving Social Issues –

Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”) announced today that Toyota Tsusho and its group company CFAO Kenya Limited (“CFAO Kenya”), in cooperation with Unicharm Corporation (“Unicharm”), will commence production and sales of sanitary napkins in Kenya from January 2025, with the aim of contributing woman’s social advancement and solving social issues through the popularization of sanitary products in the African market.

Toyota Tsusho and Unicharm aim to combine their respective strengths – Toyota Tsusho’s local network and experience, and Unicharm’s non-woven fabric and absorbent processing and molding technologies – to deliver new value in regions where the use of sanitary products is not widespread.

The penetration rate of sanitary napkins in African markets is low, particularly in Kenya, where it currently stands at approximately 30%.

To address this, Unicharm and CFAO Kenya have been importing and selling “SOFY Deep Absorb,” a premium sanitary napkin produced at Unicharm’s Egypt plant for the Kenyan market since August 2023. However, there are still challenges in balancing quality and price, and many women are not able to use sanitary napkins in daily life.

In response to this, Toyota Tsusho and Unicharm have decided to locally produce “SOFY Long Lasting” sanitary napkins, which are of reliable quality and affordable price, and CFAO Kenya will commence the sales of this product. By establishing a local production and sales system, the two companies will promote the creation of an environment where more women can access sanitary products.

(1) Product Development and Production Mmanagement
Unicharm will conduct product development and production management of “SOFY Long Lasting” sanitary napkins, offering reliable quality at an affordable price, based on the feedback from customers in Kenya. Local companies will handle the entrusted production.

(2) Local Sales System
CFAO Kenya will be responsible for the sales of “SOFY Long Lasting” and will aim to expand sales by maximizing the utilization of local distribution networks while working toward expanding the product lineup and developing the business in neighboring countries.

Premium product “SOFY Deep Absorb”	Standard product “SOFY Long Lasting”	Sachet (1 piece)

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