The Origin and History of "Made Innovations" Soy Sauce

In the 60th year of the Republic of China (1971), "Made Innovations" soy sauce was created at Pingtung Prison in Taiwan. At that time, the prison warden accepted guidance from Pingtung's agricultural technology department, which led to the successful production of soy sauce by inmates. This tradition has been passed down through the years, gradually becoming a key feature of Pingtung Prison's self-sufficiency program and a remarkable milestone in the prison's policy history.

The original idea behind "Made Innovations" soy sauce was to produce a product for internal use within the government’s correctional facilities. Since inmates were not allowed to consume unbranded food, the name "Made Innovations" was introduced 30 years ago, symbolizing the idea that each batch of soy sauce represented the inmates' effort to remake themselves and contribute positively to society.

As production increased beyond internal consumption, the soy sauce was gradually promoted to correctional units across the country. The product gained popularity and consistent demand, especially during New Year's and other festivals when it was given as a gift or used for cooking. Over time, the production scale expanded, supported by the Ministry of Justice, allowing the soy sauce to be sold nationwide through correctional welfare programs.

Thirty years ago, Pingtung Prison followed the traditional fermentation methods used by soy sauce breweries for thousands of years. The production process involved natural fermentation and careful brewing, maintaining the highest quality. While modern synthetic methods of soy sauce production have become common, "Made Innovations" soy sauce has retained its traditional production methods and quality, making it a distinctive and valued product.