US, Thailand drive Kirin’s craft gin and shochu push
Kirin’s Mercian is expanding into the US and Thailand, citing strong demand for Japanese spirits.
The firm has identified the US as the world’s largest spirits market, while noting rising demand for Japanese food and beverages in Thailand.
It aims to accelerate the growth of its distilled spirits export business, which already has an established presence across Asia Pacific markets including Australia, South Korea, and Malaysia, as it looks to diversify beyond its domestic base.
Korean firm expands citrus ingredients in Japan as wellness demand grows
Korean firm Suchang announced that it is developing Japan-tailored products using mandarin peel (chenpi) in Japan, targeting the country’s growing market for clean-label and wellness-focused food and beverage ingredients.
Japanese consumers place high value on clean-label products and naturally derived ingredients, a trend that has pushed food and beverage manufacturers to seek ingredients with clear safety, traceability, and origin credentials – positioning Jeju-sourced chenpi as a competitive option.
Japan faces long-term health risks from low fruit, vege intake intake
Most Japanese adults are not meeting recommended fruit and vegetable needs, and new data indicates this issue will worsen in the long-term without intervention.
According to a new simulation study that used national dietary data, more Japanese adults are at risk of deviating from nutrient recommendations in the country’s Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) according to current dietary intakes – even though this simple issue could be solved by eating 200 grams of fruit and 350 grams of vegetables per day.
Fat reduction, fatigue, gut health: Japan’s top FFC health claims
Fat reduction, fatigue, and gut health-related claims were the top three most popular indications for Foods with Function Claims (FFC) in Japan between April 2024 and March 2025.
Almost three out of 10 FFC products (27.9%) made claims related to fat reduction and weight control.
Another 7.6% made fatigue-related claims and 7% claimed to support abdominal and intestinal health.
This is according to “In-Depth Analysis Report on FFCs Notified in FY2024” authored by Hisaaki Kato, CEO at Japan-based consultancy Smooth Link Inc.
Immune health functional foods see new high in Japan
A record number of 71 products making immune health claims were notified under Japan’s Foods with Function Claims (FFC) between April 2024 and March 2025.
The FFC framework was introduced in Japan in April 2015, and in 2020, the CAA allowed functional food ingredients to make immune health claims. FFCs can claim to “maintain immune function” if the ingredient(s) have obtained prior approval from the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), the body that oversees Japan’s FFCs.