From Wikipedia: 
"Ajinomoto Co. Inc. (味の素株式会社, Ajinomoto Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 2802), is a Japanese food and chemical corporation which produces seasonings, cooking oils, TV dinners, sweeteners, amino acids and pharmaceuticals. In particular it is the world's largest producer of aspartame, with a 40% global market share. 

"The literal translation of Aji no Moto is “Essence of Taste,” used as a trademark for the company’s original monosodium glutamate (MSG) product." 

h4. See also 

* "Wikipedia article":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajinomoto
aji no moto