Kirin is collaborating with its dairy product subsidiary, Koiwai, to produce a probiotic which is effective in inhibiting the spread of the flu. The product is called probiotic strain and the product are called Plasma Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which is a not too subtle nod to the effect they are promoting which cannot be claimed on the package. (It cannot be claimed because there is not a category in the Japanese functional food claim system, FOSHU or Tokuho, for immune function.) Kirin has presented data that this probiotic stimulates plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and thus immune function.
This product with its proposed function and red packaging appears to take direct aim at Meiji's R-1 product which was extremely popular during last year's flu season and also has a red label.
Another innovation noted is the shape of the container which is said to be easy to handle and is designed to appeal to women.
キリン 小岩井 プラズマ乳酸菌
http://www.koiwaimilk.com/pick_up/index.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
McDonald's has started offering a triangle shaped chocolate pie, which contains premium cocoa and almond in the crust with a chocolate cream filling, and is said to go well with McDonald's premium coffee.
http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/chocopie/index.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Special products that are only sold in specific areas or cities and feature "famous" ingredients from that area are a mainstay in Japan and are used for presents to take back from vacations or business trips. I am going to be going through what Nestle has to offer in this area through its KitKat line.
First up is a rum raisin KitKat sold in Tokyo which is said to be fitting due to the upscale, classy image Tokyo has.
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/omiyage/9416624.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Valdo Italian Wine goes through Kikkoman in Japan.
http://www.kikkoman.co.jp/wine/valdo.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Meiji's Chelsea candy brand is celebrating 41 years.
https://www.facebook.com/okashihappy
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Limited edition vanilla ice cream flavored KitKats. This is not an adult flavor as I have shown over the past few days.
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/limited/kk_mini_vanilla_ice_13.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Kirin, Danone and Mitsubishi are collaborating on a water Alkali Ion that is co-branded Kirin-Danone. This product features alkaline water from Mt. Fuji.
http://www.alkali.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Kirin Ichiban Shibori Toritate Hop Beer uses Kirin's ichiban shibori brewing process, but also uses "toritate" hops from Tono City 遠野市, Iwate Prefecture and invites everyone to toast the disaster effected Tohoku region. Toritate means "freshly picked" but Kirin describes it in relation to this product as meaning hops from this years crop, quickly frozen as is before use in production. Kirin also describes other ways the company is supporting the Tohoku region, such as donating farm equipment. キリン、一番搾り、とりたてホップ
http://www.kirin.co.jp/brands/IS/toretate/index.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
McDonald's is selling banana flavored McShakes for 120 yen.
http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/mcshake/index.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
This is a raspberry version of the adult KitKat.
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/limited/kk_mini_otona_raspberry_12.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
