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Find the latest insights, innovations, and trends. From various news sources, we pick and summarize the most important insights, innovations, trends, and news from hundreds of reports each week in Japan.
What is Coca-Cola’s sales strategy to attract women and seniors with its affordable single-drink size?
In response to recent social changes, Coca - Cola has recategorized cans of 160ml or less and PET bottles of 350ml or less, which it had been selling for some time, to strengthen sales. The product is aimed at women and seniors who feel that the regular size is too much, and will appeal to women...
KOIKEYA, giant snack company to extend the expiration dates for SDGs goal.
Koikeya, a leading snack company, implements extended expiration dates as part of its sustainable development goals (SDGs) strategy. By optimizing product shelf life, Koikeya aims to enhance consumer satisfaction, reduce food waste, and improve overall environmental sustainability. This proactive...
23th April, DONKI to open ’KIRAKIRA DONKI’ in Shibuya at the site of “Domise,” a private brand (PB) specialty store that recently closed.
Domise, a PB specialty store that opened last year in Shibuya, failed to differentiate itself from the nearby Mega Don Quijote and struggled to attract customers as anticipated. Don Quijote promptly made the decision to refurbish it into a new concept store called Kirakira Donki, targeting the Z...
A Trend Even Men Are Embracing: Easy Warmth with Hot Water(Sayu).
"Sayu," lukewarm water prepared from boiled water, is gaining popularity as a health-conscious habit, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work. Influencers and the trend of "warmth-boosting" are contributing to its rise, attracting both genders. Convenient methods and products for...
DONKI close new format DOMISE today 7th April
Don Quijote has announced the closure of its new concept store "Domise," which opened on August 24, 2023, on April 7, 2024. Domise was a new concept store by Don Quijote, aiming to exceed expectations with its selection of carefully curated items under the brand "Jounetsu Kakaku" (Passionate...
Sustainable Food Packaging Innovations: From Lawson’s Paper Chopstick Bags to the Wider Convenience Store Industry’s Eco-Friendly Shift.
Lawson is switching to paper bags for the chopsticks provided in its stores. The initiative will start in about 5,400 stores in the Kanto and Tohoku regions from April, with plans to extend it to all Lawson stores nationwide by the fiscal year 2025. The company has previously changed the material...
SAKURA have hit peak bloom as of Friday April 5 , let’s see limited Sakura seasonal products.
On April 5, 2024, the Tokyo area greeted full bloom of cherry blossoms. In Japan, there's a cultural tradition known as "hanami," where people enjoy picnics or drinks under cherry blossom trees. To coincide with this, since around February, various limited-time products with cherry blossom themes...
Red yeast rice and affect to retailers in Japan; Voluntary recalls are occurring in succession
The impact of health issues caused by supplements made from "red yeast rice" (Kojikin) manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is spreading to various retailers. On March 28th, FamilyMart announced the removal of three products containing the ingredient from their shelves. Takashimaya also...
Major Acquisition of Seiyu Stores by Aeon Hokkaido and Izum.: Transforming the Retail Landscape in Hokkaido and Kyushu area
This week 2th and 3rd April, it is announced that Aeon Hokkaido and Izumi have announced their acquisition of stores from the major supermarket chain Seiyu. These acquisitions are aimed at expanding their businesses and strengthening their competitive position in the market. ■Aeon Hokkaido's...
New release of Nissin Healthy Clear, a long-lasting, rust-free oil = Nissin Oilio Group.
*With the development of the "Ultra Oxidation Barrier Manufacturing Method," which combines existing technologies and further advances, "Nissin Healthy Clear" retains the delicious taste of freshly made oil even after opening the package.2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nissin...
New release of Spomeshi cereals “Protein-rich cereals series” perfect for supplementary meals after practice = Hakubaku.
Supplementary meals,'' which is important for people who exercise and play sports, is a dietary method that supplements nutrients that cannot be replenished with just three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) by eating them before and after exercise. Since it is necessary to prepare meals...
Snow Brand, new brand of plant-based foods
Megumi Plant Born contains "Gasseri SP strain" and "Bifidobacterium SP strain". Megumi Gasseri SP Strain Plant Born is a food with functional claims that contains Gasseri SP strain, and is said to help reduce visceral fat in obese people. Please note that both products contain dairy products. The...
MORINAGA Milk has launched a new plant-based beverage called “Plants&Me.”
Morinaga Milk Industry will launch its new plant-blend beverages, "Plants&Me Original" and "Plants&Me Sugar-Free," nationwide from April 2nd. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in products developed from plant-based ingredients due to increased awareness of beauty and...
Announcement of Results: Spring/Summer 2024 New Product Grand Prix,” Japan’s largest food presentation event. The Grand Prix has been awarded to Shinsei Co., Ltd. for their “Additive-Free Sesame and Bonito Flavored Furikake”.
The product trend for 2024 will be "finding the joy of eating that suits each individual". The 30th New Product Grand Prix Spring/Summer 2024 received entries for 26 processed foods, 15 refrigerated foods, 17 frozen foods, and 11 ice creams, and will be held in Tokyo and Osaka in late January. New...
Foods with functional claims improve sleep by 18%
Fuji Keizai, 2024 outlook: 3% increase in fat suppression, 7% increase overallThe market size of functional food products with claims related to stress relief and immune function is expanding. According to Fuji Keizai, the domestic market in 2024 is expected to reach ¥735 billion, representing a...
freeze dried snacks Seafood innovation
Freeze-dried has made its way into the seafood industry. In Japan, there is a custom of enjoying seafood snacks with alcoholic beverages. This freeze-dried squid is perfect for pairing with drinks. 【Snack "Temptation of Squid - Squid and Togarashi Tempura - Kimchi Flavor" by Medishokudogen.com...
Horiguchi Coffee’s casual line will launch in March 2024
Horiguchi Coffee (Setagaya, Tokyo) cup-on type regular coffee “Horiguchi Coffee Drip Bag”The company, which roasts and sells coffee beans, has commercialized this product with a focus on quality. The beans are carefully selected, and the new product uses 15% powder, compared to 8 to 12 grams per...
The Japanese jelly beverages market expands to a ¥100 billion scale amidst COVID-19, attracting and retaining new users
Capturing a wide range of demand from women, seniors, students, and more, companies are focusing on appealing packaging, health functionality, and ease of opening to drive growth. According to Intage SRI+, the sales revenue of the jelly beverage market in 2023 (January-December) increased by 9.9%...