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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. From fermented milk tailored to support weight management, to a line of jelly drinks suitable for both humans and their pets, read on to discover some of the most innovative new offerings.
Fruit and vegetable-based drinks
Ito En has released Acai Bowl Smoothie pouch drink, a 30% mixed fruit juice beverage replicating the thick acai smoothie bowl taste, with acai pulp, banana, grape, strawberry and almonds. The 150g spouted pouch is designed for home freezing, allowing consumption as a frozen slushie.
Also new from Ito En is Ichinichibun no Yasai Hyaluronic Acid Plus, a mixed vegetable drink for women. The drink, launched in a 200ml slim LL paper carton from Nippon Paper Industries, contains 350g of juice from 30 vegetable varieties including four whole tomatoes, carrot, celery, parsley, red bell pepper, cucumber, kidney bean, radish, kale, asparagus and pumpkin. It offers 16mg of lycopene and 120mg of sodium hyaluronate.
Fermented milk for weight management
BifiX Yogurt Alpha is a new functional fermented milk drink from Ezaki Glico, targeting men and women in their 30s to 50s, to directly address fat metabolism and weight management. There are three beverages in the range aimed at individuals who have a high BMI, and have approved claims for improving resting energy expenditure and reducing overall body fat.
Each contains the proprietary BifiX Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis GCL2505, with 5g of prebiotic inulin soluble fibre. The three drink types translate as: ‘Mildly Sweet, Low Fat,’ ‘Unsweetened, Sugar-Free, Low Fat,’ and ‘Mildly Sweet, Zero Fat’.
The lactic acid bacteria strains have been chosen along with optimised fermentation to prevent the taste from becoming heavy, and low-processed milk ingredients are used for a clean taste. They come in 100g round PET bottles and in packs of 12, with a chilled shelf life of 22 days.
Jelly drinks for humans and pets
Morinaga Seika has launched its new Human and Pet Project, introducing a specialised line of
soft drinks and food items suitable for safe consumption by both dog owners and their pets. A new business venture for the company, it aims to improve mutual quality of life by eliminating the barrier between human snacks and pet treats. Seven products have been released, including jelly drinks, biscuits, frozen treats and frozen pancakes.
The jelly drinks come in two varieties and four types, with formulations supervised by vets and developed jointly with Morinaga Seika’s pet food subsidiary, Morinyu Sunworld. They contain lactulose and dietary fibre.
The name ‘One’ is a wordplay on the Japanese word ‘wan’ which means ‘woof’. One Jelly Stick with Dog Ringo Aji and Yogurt Aji (apple and yogurt flavours) are 15g jelly drinks in a convenient pillow packaging, promoting easy hydration. The former contains 30% fruit juice, and each pack contains five sticks. One Jelly Pouch with Dog (apple 24% fruit juice and yogurt flavours) are jelly drinks in pouches with resealable caps. Humans can drink them from the pouch, while dogs should be served using a bowl. They can also be used as a topping for pet food.
Custard pudding-inspired beverage
Kyodo Dairies has relaunched its limited seasonal ‘shake-and-drink’ dairy beverage, Nomu Meito no Nameraka Pudding. The drink replicates the fluid mouthfeel and caramelised custard notes of the company’s popular Nameraka Pudding dessert, with the container intended to be shaken before consuming. It comes in a 180g plastic cup.
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