Dr. Kikunae Ikeda invented "MSG" in 1908 and obtained a patent for the production of MSG. Founded in 1909 as a registered trademark of MSG, Ajinomoto is now one of the world's top 10 food companies, known for its MSG and various flavor enhancers. Ajinomoto's aspartame occupies 40% of the global market share, and in Japan it holds a leading market position under brands such as "Ajinomoto", "Knorr", and "Cook Do". In 2006, Amoy acquired Chinese soy sauce and frozen food businesses in Hong Kong, North America and Europe.