With consumer beverage preferences constantly changing, we continually ask ourselves, "What do consumers want to drink?" and "What are the tastes that will satisfy consumers today?" Determined to grasp these consumer trends and to provide better-tasting products with greater consumer appeal, we work to launch one attractive new product after another that responds to the tastes of the times.

A varied product lineup delivering pleasurable tastes that customers truly enjoy

Suntory Oolong Tea

BOSS

Suntory Natural Mineral Water, obtained from three water sources (Okudaisen, Minami Alps, Aso)

The Suntory lineup of popular beverages boasts market leaders in a number of beverage categories. These include Iyemon, an authentic Japanese green tea that has grown since its launch in 2004 into a brand that sits at the very heart of the green tea market; Suntory Oolong Tea, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of its launch in December 2011; BOSS, a canned coffee brand positioned toward busy working people; PEPSI NEX, which has carved new inroads into the cola market; and DAKARA, which has earned high repute as a daily health beverage.

Recently, Suntory Natural Mineral Water, another popular favorite among consumers, underwent an increase in size on March 8, 2011, switching from a 500ml PET bottle to the newly developed 550ml P-ecot bottle that can be crushed by hand to a small size. While retaining the same ice-shaped bottle design, we have succeeded in reducing the weight of the PET bottle to 13.5g, equivalent to a 40% reduction*. With thorough quality control, we are pursuing not only good taste but also concern for the environment.

During the coming year, we will strengthen our product lineup further to nurture consumers’ desire to enjoy beverages wherever they are, whatever the time.

* Previous weights of PET bottles:
Suntory Natural Mineral Water Minami Alps: 25.0g
Suntory Natural Mineral Water Aso & Suntory Natural Mineral Water Okudaisen: 21.4g

From left, Flavan Tea, Kuro Oolong Tea, and Goma Mugicha

Suntory pursues new product development in accordance with the concept of "beverages that truly contribute to people’s health, with scientifically demonstrated effects and safety." In November 2003, we brought to bear the fruits of research into polyphenols in red wine and other products to launch Flavan Tea, a green tea beverage that features Flavangenol®, an ingredient effective for maintaining health that is extracted from the bark of maritime pines. Furthermore, in May 2006, we drew on the results of years of research on the efficacy of oolong tea to launch Kuro Oolong Tea, a FOSHU (food for specified health uses) recognized for its ability to suppress elevation of triglyceride levels by suppressing the absorption of dietary lipids. Winning high evaluations from consumers for its product value that "reduces the body’s absorption of fat when consumed alongside meals," Kuro Oolong Tea has become a huge hit. In February 2007, moreover, we released Goma Mugicha, a sesame barley tea FOSHU suitable for people with high blood pressure that contains sesame peptides extracted from sesame seeds. Many consumers have come to drink Goma Mugicha, claiming that it is "a delicious alternative to ordinary teas."

From spring of 2011, we have been selling via Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd., paper carton versions of products that Suntory manufactures, such as Iyemon, Suntory Oolong Tea, Nichirei Acerola Drink, Natchan orange drink, Budo Konnyaku grape-flavored jelly drink, Ringo Konnyaku apple-flavored jelly drink, and BOSS. We are collaboratively committed to even greater sales of these products and further activation of the market.

Suntory brand products available in paper cartons