The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway, of Galloway & Associates, highlight some of the stand-out beverage innovations recently launched in the Japanese market. This time – aligning with FoodBev's latest 'Health and Wellness' special focus issue – the spotlighted innovations centre around wellbeing, functionality and flavour.
Lactic acid bacteria beverages
Kirin Beverage is expanding its healthcare beverages with the launch of three new lactic acid bacteria drinks under its iMUSE and Oishii Meneki Care brands, and its new Tsuyoizo! Mutekids brand for children.
iMUSE Fruits Refresh Grapefruit Mix (pictured above left) and iMUSE Fruits Refresh Apple Mix are functional drinks containing 100 billion plasma strain lactic acid bacteria and under 10% juice content, aiming to attract fruit juice consumers with a refreshing, thirst-quenching taste. They come in 500ml PET bottles.
Oishii Meneki Care Ceramide Plus (above centre) is targeted at women and offers immune support through its plasma lactic acid bacteria strain, and skincare through 1.8mg of rice-derived glucosylceramide. It is available in 100ml PET bottle format and in multipacks of six.
Tsuyoizo! Mute Kids (above right) is a new dairy-based beverage for children containing plasma lactic acid bacteria. After test marketing a 125ml paper carton version in 2025, it has now been fully launched in a 100ml round PET bottle format, each formulated with 50 billion plasma lactic acid bacteria and 1.2mg of iron. The packaging features characters developed in collaboration with monthly comic Koro Koro.
Spiced white cola
Yamasa Shoyu (or Soy Sauce) has launched Mikado White Cola for the foodservice market. The second product in the company’s cola-based beverage series, it follows the Mikado Craft Cola released in 2024.
It contains amazake, aloe extract and a blend of spice extracts (cinnamon, bitter orange peel, nutmeg and coriander), and uses the company’s soy sauce as a subtle ‘secret ingredient’. The product’s name is derived from the milky-white colour of the liquid itself.
Designed for single-use consumption and intended for mixing either with carbonated water at a 5:1 dilution ratio or with alcoholic beverages, the label features a fusion of triangular motifs and traditional Japanese aesthetics. It is available in a 50ml glass bottle.
Functional yogurt drink
Takanashi Dairies has renewed the package design of its functional Drink Yogurt Onaka e GG!. A fermented milk designated as a Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU), it is marketed for its ability to help regulate intestinal health.
Each 100ml round PET bottle contains over 14 billion LGG lactic acid bacteria (the product’s key functional ingredient), finished with a taste that suppresses acidity.
The label has been updated to a light blue colour scheme to highlight the product’s functional benefits and flavour profile.
Japan’s Beverage Innovations have been brought to you for over 15 years by Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway of Galloway & Associates.
Galloway & Associates is a UK and Asia-based strategic management consultancy covering international food and drink markets and specialising in the fast-evolving Japanese and Asian beverages sectors.
Reporting on emerging consumer trends, pioneering ingredients and the breakthrough technologies shaping Japan’s drinks landscape, these insights help brands identify growth opportunities, adapt to cultural nuances and bring Japanese-inspired innovations to international markets.
For companies seeking to decode the Japanese market or adapt its best ideas for new audiences, Galloway & Associates can support senior management teams to develop market entry strategies, and to apply innovative concepts to their products and brands in other markets.
To get in touch and discuss how Galloway & Associates might support you, please contact Steve.
Email: steve@gallowayconsult.com | Telephone: +44 (0)7815 563473
