Edited by Paul Henry
PANASONIC RICE COOKER BUSINESS CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN THE U.S.
Panasonic today celebrated 45 years of providing U.S. consumers with innovative and versatile rice cookers.
At a ceremony held at the Hotel New Otani in Los Angeles, attended by company executives and retailers, the company marked its five-millionth rice cooker sale in the U.S. Coincidentally, September is National Rice Month.
The Panasonic Rice Cooker first gained market acceptance in the U.S. among Asian and Hispanic populations, where rice is a staple of everyday cooking. In recent years, the practical appliance has achieved notable success beyond its traditional markets. “Panasonic rice cookers truly exemplify the way we design all our products, using sophisticated technology to simplify and enhance everyday tasks like food preparation,” said Mr. Hideaki "Don" Iwatani, Chairman and CEO of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic).
According to the USA Rice Federation, per capita consumption of rice in the U.S. has climbed to 27.09 pounds. Hawaii boasts the highest per capita consumption of 105.8 pounds of rice annually. In fact, rice consumption in the U.S. has increased 30% over the past 10 years, largely due to a general interest in rice for improving diet and health, as well as marked increases in Asian and Hispanic populations with a preference for rice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture believes that existing trends indicate growth in rice consumption will continue throughout the next decade. Different cultures have their own definitions of perfect rice, from dry and light to moist and sticky.The versatile Panasonic rice cooker is adept at cooking different types of rice to varying textures, as well as perfectly steaming vegetables and other foods.
Beginning in October 1957, the rice cooker, first marketed under the National brand name, was one of the first products exported to the U.S. by parent company Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., of Osaka, Japan.
Through the years, Panasonic introduced technological innovations such as the magnetic-thermostatic switch in 1961, now used for almost all rice cookers; “fuzzy logic” technology in 1991; the induction heater rice cooker in 1995; and the compact “fuzzy logic” rice cooker in 2000.
Today, Panasonic offers more than a dozen rice cooker models, in 2 to 23-cup capacities, with convenient features including electronic timers, 2-level steaming capability, reheat and keep-warm functions. Panasonic brand rice cookers can be found in the kitchens of families, restaurants, banquet halls and hotels nationwide.
Panasonic Press Release
