Japan Soy Milk Association: Soy Milk Production in Q1 2026 Reaches 108,106 kl, Surpassing 100,000 kl for the First Time Ever in the Same Period
According to the Japan Soy Milk Association, total soy milk production for the first quarter of 2026 (Jan-Mar) reached 108,106 kl (114.2% YoY), marking the first time it has exceeded 100,000 kl for the same period. The market continues to expand, led by a significant 125.4% increase in unsweetened soy milk production.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 15:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 04:13 (12h 41m after Collected)
The Japan Soy Milk Association (Secretariat: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Koichi Yamazaki, President and CEO of Kikkoman Soyfoods Company; Secretary-General: Toru Abe) has verified the soy milk market trends for the first quarter of 2026 (January to March). The results show that the total production volume of soy milk products was 108,106 kiloliters (kl), a 114.2% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a continued expansion of the market.
The association verifies domestic soy milk production quarterly. Looking at the breakdown by category, 'unsweetened soy milk,' which has maintained a high growth rate in recent years, saw its production volume reach 40,274 kl (125.4% YoY), continuing its significant growth. Additionally, 'flavored soy milk' reached 48,533 kl (107.9%), 'fruit-juice-added soy milk drinks' were at 4,066 kl (114.3%), and 'other flavored soy milk drinks' such as coffee and tea flavors were at 11,495 kl (111.6%), with all categories exceeding the previous year's performance. Shipment volumes showed a similar trend to production volumes. Furthermore, the 'other' category, mainly for commercial use, also showed steady performance at 3,738 kl (102.0%).
The association analyzed the growth factors for this quarter (Jan-Mar) by category. A major factor for the 'unsweetened soy milk' category, which grew by 125.4% YoY, is believed to be the diverse product rollouts by manufacturers, coupled with the popularity of premium-type products using domestically grown soybeans. Increased demand for warm soy milk dishes like soy milk hot pots and soups during this period also contributed. Furthermore, a growing consumer interest in the nutritional content of food, along with increased exposure to information about the features and nutritional benefits of soy milk, has led to a rise in repeat purchases. As a result, this category is growing at a pace that rivals the currently largest production category, 'flavored soy milk.' In the 'soy milk drinks' category, the launch of new, buzzworthy products by various manufacturers during this period contributed to market expansion.
The Japan Soy Milk Association will continue to carry out various awareness and educational activities throughout the year to increase people's understanding of and interest in soy milk. The goal is to increase the annual per capita consumption of soy milk products to 4 liters (from 3.4 liters in 2022 / total population of 125 million) and to raise the total annual production volume to 500,000 kl.
(Reference)
The Japan Soy Milk Association conducts various educational activities with the primary goal of popularizing soy milk and soy milk products. Since its establishment on September 1, 1979, soy milk manufacturers have become members, fostering fellowship and information exchange among manufacturers, as well as cooperation with other organizations and bodies. Its mission is to contribute to the sound development and growth of the industry, not only through research on the manufacturing, processing, quality, and distribution of soy milk products, but also by conducting daily activities to promote soy milk and its expected benefits and effects. The association has designated October 12th as 'Soy Milk Day' and June 12th as 'Healthy Soy Latte Day,' with the entire industry working together on various activities to promote soy milk.
The association verifies domestic soy milk production quarterly. Looking at the breakdown by category, 'unsweetened soy milk,' which has maintained a high growth rate in recent years, saw its production volume reach 40,274 kl (125.4% YoY), continuing its significant growth. Additionally, 'flavored soy milk' reached 48,533 kl (107.9%), 'fruit-juice-added soy milk drinks' were at 4,066 kl (114.3%), and 'other flavored soy milk drinks' such as coffee and tea flavors were at 11,495 kl (111.6%), with all categories exceeding the previous year's performance. Shipment volumes showed a similar trend to production volumes. Furthermore, the 'other' category, mainly for commercial use, also showed steady performance at 3,738 kl (102.0%).
The association analyzed the growth factors for this quarter (Jan-Mar) by category. A major factor for the 'unsweetened soy milk' category, which grew by 125.4% YoY, is believed to be the diverse product rollouts by manufacturers, coupled with the popularity of premium-type products using domestically grown soybeans. Increased demand for warm soy milk dishes like soy milk hot pots and soups during this period also contributed. Furthermore, a growing consumer interest in the nutritional content of food, along with increased exposure to information about the features and nutritional benefits of soy milk, has led to a rise in repeat purchases. As a result, this category is growing at a pace that rivals the currently largest production category, 'flavored soy milk.' In the 'soy milk drinks' category, the launch of new, buzzworthy products by various manufacturers during this period contributed to market expansion.
The Japan Soy Milk Association will continue to carry out various awareness and educational activities throughout the year to increase people's understanding of and interest in soy milk. The goal is to increase the annual per capita consumption of soy milk products to 4 liters (from 3.4 liters in 2022 / total population of 125 million) and to raise the total annual production volume to 500,000 kl.
(Reference)
The Japan Soy Milk Association conducts various educational activities with the primary goal of popularizing soy milk and soy milk products. Since its establishment on September 1, 1979, soy milk manufacturers have become members, fostering fellowship and information exchange among manufacturers, as well as cooperation with other organizations and bodies. Its mission is to contribute to the sound development and growth of the industry, not only through research on the manufacturing, processing, quality, and distribution of soy milk products, but also by conducting daily activities to promote soy milk and its expected benefits and effects. The association has designated October 12th as 'Soy Milk Day' and June 12th as 'Healthy Soy Latte Day,' with the entire industry working together on various activities to promote soy milk.