Senshu University (President: Yasuyuki Kubo), Faculty of Agriculture, will begin selling the carbonated beverage 'Sumomo-chan Soda,' jointly developed with Hirakata City and local farms, at four Osaka Parcoope stores within Hirakata City starting June 20.

Additionally, on June 27 and 28, students will collaborate with store staff and cooperative members to harvest seasonal plums for the next production batch.

【Key Points】

● Distribution of 'Sumomo-chan Soda,' co-developed by the Faculty of Agriculture, Hirakata City, and local farms, expands to four Osaka Parcoope stores

● Students, cooperative members, and store staff will jointly harvest early summer plums

㊧ Harvesting plums used as raw material for 'Sumomo-chan Soda' (past event) ㊨ Sold with informative pop displays explaining product features = at Osaka Parcoope Nagano Store

'Sumomo-chan Soda' is a carbonated beverage developed by the Faculty of Agriculture at Senshu University's Hirakata Campus, focusing on 'sumomo' (plums), a local specialty of the Sugi area in Hirakata City. With no artificial flavors or colorings used, the drink offers the plum's natural light pink hue and refreshing tartness. Leveraging the region's specialty—historically known as the 'Sumomo District'—the product has been selected as a return gift for Hirakata City's hometown tax donations since 2022.

Since its initial launch in 2021, continuous improvements have been made, including special in-store sales at supermarkets and participation in events like the Hirakata City Agricultural Festival. This April, marking the sixth year since launch, sales began at the Osaka Parcoope Nagano Store. Due to strong sales performance, the decision was made to expand distribution, with sales launching at four stores starting June 20.

Furthermore, at Yamaguchi Farm in the Sugi area—a partner of the Faculty of Agriculture—students are leading preparations for the next production cycle. On June 27 and 28, they will conduct harvest operations together with Osaka Parcoope store staff and cooperative members.

【Sales Locations for Sumomo-chan Soda】

Sales: Osaka Parcoope

Nagano Store (2-6-10 Naganomachi, Hirakata City, Osaka)

Hoshigaoka Store (3-16-5 Hoshigaoka, Hirakata City, Osaka, 1st floor of Boushou 2 Building)

Nishikuzuha Store (1-71-5 Nishifunahashi, Hirakata City, Osaka)

Hirakata Koen Store (25-25 Takatsukacho, Hirakata City, Osaka)

Price: 250 yen (excluding tax)

Volume: 250ml

【Plum Harvest and Processing Activities】

Date: June 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), 2026, both days from 9:30 to 17:00

Location: Yamaguchi Farm (1-1055-2 Sugikita-machi, Hirakata City, Osaka)

Senshu University Faculty of Agriculture (45-1 Nagatogemachi, Hirakata City, Osaka)

Participants: Faculty staff and students (approx. 20 in total),

Parcoope store staff and cooperative members (approx. 12 in total), Hirakata City employees (approx. 4)

Activities: Harvesting at Yamaguchi Farm in the morning, followed by washing, pitting, and freezing at Senshu University Faculty of Agriculture in the afternoon

※Schedule may change due to weather conditions.

◆ Related Links

・Hirakata City Hometown Tax Donations

https://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/0000009327.html

※Search for 'Sumomo-chan Soda' on specialized hometown tax portal sites linked from the URL above

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product