Ozeki marked its 250th anniversary by taking the chance to start exporting to America and genuinely entering its market. In 1979, Ozeki was the first major sake manufacturer to establish a presence in California. The company began as 'Ozeki San Benito Inc.' but later changed its name to Ozeki Sake U.S.A. Inc. in 1987. Ozeki found the ideal conditions for producing Japanese sake and was blessed with excellent water, rice and skill. There was a steady increase in production, and 'Nihonshu' which came to be known as 'Sake' had arrived and had grown to compete with California wine.