Research & Technology Creating new value to bring more smiles to the faces of our future customers
Drawing on our deep understanding of people and nature, we will give shape to the new value sought in tomorrow’s world. Through unique research endeavors that span a diverse range of specialized fields, we aim to build a future marked by vibrant lives and a flourishing society.
A wide range of research fields focused on the future of our lives
At the Suntory Global Innovation Center Limited (hereinafter “the Company”), when selecting research themes, we not only focus on flavor and health, but also consider how our work can contribute to the joy of living as human beings as well as to lifestyle culture and society as a whole. In addition to researching ingredients and functions that help people stay ahead in maintaining their health, we also place great emphasis on ensuring that they are delicious as foods, that they have the potential to make people’s lives more positive and enjoyable, and that they embody consideration for both people and the planet. The Company is independent as the Suntory Group's foundational technology research entity to pursue research thoroughly from a long-term perspective, thereby realizing essential value for our customers. Collaborating with internal and external researchers in a wide variety of fields, we continue to boldly tackle the unknown without fear of failure.
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- Microbial science
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- Research and application of microoganisum, including yeast, based on knowledge from brewing science and applied microbiology
Fermentation technology, microbial breeding technology, bioinformatics
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- Plant science
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- Improving the quality and sustainability of raw material plants based on insights from plant physiology and genetics
- Development of new functions through plant biotechnology
Raw material plant cultivation technology, plant breeding technology, bioinformatics
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- Health science
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- Research on understanding the human body and mind through observational and interventional studies
- Elucidating the mode-of-action and effects of products and services related to the body and mind using approaches from nutrition science and pharmacology
Interventional clinical research, observational clinical research, in vitro, in silico, mode-of-action elucidation technology, component separation technology, component identification technology, big data analysis technology, omics technology
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- Preference science
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- Understanding the essence of “deliciousness” from the perspectives of food chemistry and sensory science, and applying this understanding to practical applications
Sensory evaluation technology, taste analysis technology, cellular response evaluation technology
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- Natural products chemistry Analytical science
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- Research of components related to deliciousness, health, and safety & security based on insights from organic chemistry and analytical chemistry
Component analysis technology, aroma analysis technology, isolation and purification technology
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- Water science
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- Understanding the sustainable water cycle in nature based on general hydrology and forest hydrology
- Research on the relationship between water and health from the perspectives of nutrition and cell biology
[Water in the natural world] Hydrological observation, water quality analysis, water cycle modeling
[Water circulation in the body] Water intake assessment technology, body water content assessment technology, epidemiological analysis technology
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- Data science
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- Development of next-generation healthcare utilizing AI and statistics
- Strengthening of basic research using data
Sensor data analysis, user experience (UX) evaluation
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- Process development
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- Development of beverage/food processing technologies and scale-up processing technologies
New process technologies (e.g., low-temperature sterilization technology, non-thermal sterilization processes), ingredient stabilization technologies (e.g., emulsion/dispersion, vitamin retention technology), flavor retention technologies (e.g., aroma retention technology, microencapsulation), production efficiency improvement (e.g., continuous blending systems, cleaning in place (CIP) automation), environmentally conscious processes (e.g., energy-saving steam utilization, water usage reduction technology), chemical engineering
Fulfilling requirements for health, taste, and sustainability
We are conducting research aimed at enriching future lifestyles in three key areas: “Cutting-edge health innovations,” “Pursuit of superior flavor and taste,” and “Sustainability.” How can we achieve these three attributes at the same time that are often at odds with each other, such as “healthy but not delicious” and “delicious but not good for the environment”? To answer this conundrum, our researchers are constantly experimenting with the spirit of “Yatte Minahare” We avoid research themes where the path forward is too easy to see and never give up on pursuing the essence of a theme to its core. We are also committed to delivering the results of our research to our customers in the form of businesses, products, and services.
Cutting-edge health innovations — An unrelenting pursuit of health that supports life
The compound quercetin glycoside, whose mechanism we have elucidated, has been incorporated into products such as Tokucha as an ingredient that reduces body fat. We selected the plant-derived polyphenol called quercetin and discovered its anti-obesity effects. The efficacy of quercetin has been proven through various experiments and verifications, and it has also been approved as a Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) product. We continue to pursue further research to develop even better materials.
Research & Technologies on Cutting-edge Health Innovations
Research Papers & Conference Presentations on Cutting-edge Health Innovations
Pursuit of superior flavor and taste — The science of "deliciousness" that enriches the spirit
The pursuit of superior flavor and taste—that is, the realization of deliciousness—is also one of our key research themes. As an example, we achieved the world's first successful decoding of the entire genome of brewer’s yeast, essential for beer production. This breakthrough enables analysis of which genes are active during fermentation and to what extent, revealing their roles in generating flavor and aroma. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time worldwide that the maturity of coffee beans is highly correlated with the amount of the amino acid tryptophan. We aim to deliver coffee that is more delicious than ever before by comprehensively analyzing the components of green coffee beans and understanding the mechanisms behind substances and phenomena.
Research & Technologies on the Pursuit of Superior Flavor and Taste
Research Papers & Conference Presentations on the Pursuit of Superior Flavor and Taste
Sustainability — Enhanced by scientific research exploring nature
If global warming continues to progress, there is concern that it will have a severe impact on the production of raw materials such as coffee beans and hops. Technologies that make raw material production sustainable, such as improvements in plant science-based crop breeding and cultivation methods, are essential research for the world’s future. We also aim to contribute to the attainment of a sustainable society through the science of plants and water. We have cultivated technologies to understand the water cycle that nurtures high-quality groundwater in areas such as the Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries extending across our factories’ water source areas. Going forward, we will continue to deepen our scientific understanding of sustainability and contribute to building a sustainable society.
Research & Technologies on Sustainability
Research Papers & Conference Presentations on Sustainability
Application of research results and examples of implementation
Delivering fun experiences to our customers – the idea that inspired Lidris
What if you could enjoy beverages with all five senses? That idea gave birth to the liquid drawing technology Lidris. If you could freely draw pictures and write words within liquids, wouldn’t that bring joy to many people? Led by the researcher who conceived this idea, we collaborated with robotics prototype manufacturers and others. After much trial and error, Lidris was successfully brought to practical application. The delicate 3D shapes and messages floating in the clear drink are delightful just to look at, but of course, taste is also essential. We have crafted recipes to deliver delicious and enjoyable beverage experiences.
Water Scape, a groundwater visualization service
The Suntory Group established the Institute for Water Science to deepen our understanding of the water we use and to conserve our water resources for the future. Through various fields of water research, including hydrology-based natural water cycles that use forest functions to recharge water sources, the Institute for Water Science studies global water issues, water health, and water preferences. In carrying out our role as a multifaceted food and beverage company, we continue to advance research and spread knowledge of all aspects of water, from its workings in the natural world to its workings within the human body. Water Scape Ltd. was founded on science-based data and evidence regarding “water in the natural world” and the know-how and methods gained from factory operation experience. Researchers with expertise in hydrology conducted surveys across various locations, achieving “groundwater visualization” through years of accumulated data and proprietary technology. We support municipalities and businesses in securing sustainable water supplies and utilizing resources through Suntory’s unique expertise.
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