Turning Climate Change and Unused Resources into Products: Pal System Staff Select Winners Through Voting

In March, the Pal System Consumers' Co-operative Union (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; President: Atsuyuki Shibusawa) announced the winners of its "Product Creation Awards," selected by staff votes from new products launched in fiscal year 2025.

Evaluation Based on Contributions to Production Regions and More

The "Product Creation Awards" were determined by staff votes based on criteria such as contributions to regional development in raw material production areas and listening to user feedback regarding challenges like climate change and unused resources. The winners include five products developed in collaboration with production areas and manufacturers, spanning a wide range of categories from fresh food to household goods. The voting process also included comments expressing appreciation for the hard work involved in development.

The winning products and staff comments are as follows:

Direct-from-Farm Eggs Born During Delivery Holidays This product delivers eggs laid during the year-end and New Year holiday period. By conveying the reality of the production site—that "living creatures do not take holidays"—the initiative offers these eggs, which have a shorter shelf life of about one week from delivery, at a supportive price, contributing to sustainable production.

[Comments from staff who voted] - As a product that supports the production area, I think it's a great way to get to know the region better. I thought it would be good if we could pre-order them along with suggestions for how to use them specifically for the year-end and New Year holidays. - I ordered them as a user myself and enjoyed using the eggs in sweets and other dishes I don't usually make.

[Related Link] Supporting production areas during the year-end and New Year holidays: "Direct-from-Farm Eggs Born During Delivery Holidays" orders open from Tuesday, December 16.

"Meguru Mori" (Circulating Forest) Series The social value of "protecting the forest" from the direct-from-farm forest production area, Minamitsuru Forest Association, has been embodied in products such as tables, deodorizers, and, in collaboration with member co-ops, the flooring for delivery truck cargo beds. This has led to a step toward forest regeneration and the realization of a circular society.

[Comments from staff who voted] - Commercializing thinned wood has been a challenge for many years. The fact that it was successfully commercialized is amazing. I also felt that using it for truck flooring was very "Pal System-like." - I think it's wonderful that they are taking on the challenge of new products to revitalize forest-direct sourcing. I was also moved by the development of such stylish interior goods.

Chilled Simmered and Grilled Fish Series While frozen fish is the mainstream, these chilled fish side dishes achieve both a fluffy texture and reduced cooking time, taking only one minute in the microwave. The convenience of being able to eat them directly from the pack and the accessible price point have gained support from users.

[Comments from staff who voted] - This product responds to the feeling of wanting to eat fish but not wanting to use the grill. It has significantly lowered the barrier to entry. - I think this is a product that meets the needs of the growing senior demographic for individual portions, fish, and convenience. I look forward to further expansion of the product lineup.

"Momiji-iro" (Autumn Leaf Colored) Bell Peppers When bell peppers ripen due to heat, their color changes to red or yellow, reducing bitterness and increasing sweetness and acidity. Previously, such peppers were treated as non-standard products and excluded from "green bell pepper" sales, but their occurrence has increased in production areas due to recent extreme heat. These were commercialized to support farmers struggling with climate change by encouraging consumption, reducing food loss, and allowing people to positively enjoy their colorful appearance.

[Comments from staff who voted] - I had a very positive impression of this, as it differs from previous food loss initiatives by focusing on the idea that these peppers can be eaten deliciously and have a lovely appearance, rather than just viewing them as a waste. - I didn't know that the ones with a reddish tint were sweeter. The name is also cute, and it made me want to buy them.

"Mottainai!" (What a Waste!) Seto Inland Sea Boze Direct-from-Farm Evodai (Japanese Butterfish) Sweet and Sour Stir-fry This is a meal kit that contributes to reducing food loss by utilizing small, underutilized Evodai (Japanese butterfish). It has deepened cooperation with the Boze Fisheries Cooperative, a direct-from-farm marine product source. It is a product that supports a sustainable fishing industry.

[Comments from staff who voted] - I like how it makes good use of underutilized fish. It's easy to eat as tempura, and the sweet and sour sauce seems like something even children would enjoy. I feel this is a product that can support fishermen while utilizing what would otherwise go to waste. - I think it's great that they developed Evodai, which couldn't be commercialized in the production area, for a meal kit and are also communicating how to use it to members through recipes.