Japanese beverage innovations — January/​February 2010

Japan Tobacco has launched Kome Zukuri (Sparkling Rice Water). Co-​developed with Japanese Saké maker Ozeki, it is made with liquid glycated rice flour, contains 31 kcal per 100ml and is sold in a 410ml bottle.

Yakult’s new functional ‘Gyutto Kenko’ drinks are to be sold in the smallest paper package available in Japan (65ml). There are three varieties to the range: Coenzime Q10, Blackcurrant and Shiso (beefsteak plant) extract.

Sapporo’s Zero Sparkling Red Grape has zero calories and 6% red grape juice with three artificial sweeteners. It is sold in a 410ml pressure-​resistant PET bottle by Yoshino Kogyosho.

Coca-Cola’s Georgia Daily Oligo Black Coffee is an Emerald Mountain Blend Coffee made with Columbian beans and contains 3g of mannobiose, extracted from coffee beans, reducing the absorption of fat in the body.

Morinaga has added Double Espresso and Caffe Latte to its premium range. Targeted at men in their 30s they use twice as many coffee beans as are used in usual RTD drinks.

Made using Saké fermentation techniques, Super Kome Ukon Plus uses turmeric, which apparently prevents hangovers. Sold in 100ml alu bottles from Daiwa Seikan.

Kirin Beverages has launched Fire café Zero canned coffee containing sweeteners.

Kirin Beverages has introduced the latest product in its ‘World’s Kitchen’ series, its Maple Syrup and Spices Tea. This chilled cup tea product comes in a 200ml size and contains milk, cinnamon and ginger and 126 kcal.