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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, the round-up includes a range of functional offerings targeting different health needs, from post-workout protein boosts to post-meal digestion support.

Yogurt-flavoured fermented protein drink

Meiji has introduced Savas BioPro Yogurt Aji, a yogurt-flavoured fermented protein drink delivering 15g of fermented protein per 300ml carton.

The protein is fermented with lactic acid bacteria to break it down into smaller molecules, making it easier for the body to absorb and with a clean, refreshing taste, it is marketed for a wide range of occasions, from post-workout consumption to everyday drinking.

The drink is packaged in Tetra Pak’s TPA300 Edge DC capped carton, marking its commercial debut in Japan.

Functional carbonated and jelly drinks

House Wellness Foods has launched two new products: Ira Reset, and Perfect Vitamin Ichinichibun no Vitamin & W Mineral Jelly Grape Aji.

Ira Reset is a carbonated beverage designed to offer an ‘instant reset’ through a cooling sensation and the refreshing feel of carbonation. Leveraging the company’s expertise in spice technology, the drink features a citrus flavour created by blending cooling agents with aromatic ingredients such as shiso flavouring and juniper berry extract.

It also contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and three types of B vitamins. With no fruit juice, it comes in a 140ml clear glass bottle from Toyo Glass.

Perfect Vitamin Ichinichibun no Vitamin & W Mineral Jelly Grape Aji, meanwhile, is a jelly drink formulated with 13 types of vitamins and a full day’s supply of iron and zinc. This is the first time this series has included iron and zinc, and the product has been created to deliver a juicy flavour while minimising bitterness and astringency. It contains less than 10% fruit juice and is available in a 180g spouted pouch.

Prebiotic soda and ice slurry sports drink

Suntory Beverage & Food has introduced Yappy, a new carbonated drink brand available in soukai

(or ‘refreshing’) kiwi and shifuku (‘blissful’) peach flavours. They are targeted at health-conscious

young people and are inspired by the trend of prebiotic carbonated beverages in the US. Each 250ml

aluminium can contains 38 calories, 4,000mg of hydrolysed guar gum and 10% fruit juice, achieving a

balance between gentle sweetness and a crisp, clean taste.

Also from Suntory, designed for midsummer hydration, is Green Dakara Hogureru Koori no Ice Slurry, a sports drink in a PET bottle specifically formulated to freeze into a fine ice slurry texture. Compared to the many pouch-style ice slurry products in the market, it has reduced sweetness for a cleaner taste, aiming to make hydration easier. It contains salt to help prevent heatstroke and 1% fruit juice, and is available in a 490ml square heat-resistant PET bottle from Yoshino Kogyosho.

Tomato juice with functional claims

Tomato Juice Triple Care Shokuen mu Tenka (or ‘unsalted’) is a new tomato juice from Kagome, classified as a ‘food with functional claims’.

Made from tomato juice concentrate, it is marketed for its ability to suppress post-meal spikes in blood sugar and blood neutral fat levels, as well as to lower blood pressure.

The active ingredients are tomato-derived dietary fibre and GABA. It comes in a 265g square PET bottle.

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