for the year ended april 30 2001 annual report approach to brands and value ppr printed in japan on recycled paper 47 10 honmachi 3 chome shibuya ku tokyo 151 8550 contents ito en was founded august 1966 produce sell green tea a traditional japanese beverage today is firmly positioned as world s leading supplier of leaves beverages developing steady stream new products that address customer needs through years has established reputation trendsetter industry following 1979 agreement import oolong from china took lead making this one most popular 1981 company pioneered sugar free ready drink market by launching canned then 1985 it produced feat many had considered techno logically impossible opened up an entirely segment adding fruit vegetable coffee existing lineup black continues consolidate its position comprehensive