Meiwa Corporation Launches 'Ginsai', a Purely Domestic Japanese Coffee Brand Tackling the 'Coffee 2050 Problem', at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Key facts
- Meiwa Corporation Launches 'Ginsai', a Purely Domestic Japanese Coffee Brand Tackling the 'Coffee 2050 Problem', at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
- Meiwa Corporation has partnered with Gekkeikan to develop 'Ginsai', a purely domestic coffee fermented with sake yeast. It will be sold in limited quantities at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum starting June 1, 2026.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 26, 2026
Direct answer
Meiwa Corporation has partnered with Gekkeikan to develop 'Ginsai', a purely domestic coffee fermented with sake yeast. It will be sold in limited quantities at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum starting June 1, 2026.
- Citation
- Meiwa Corporation Launches 'Ginsai', a Purely Domestic Japanese Coffee Brand Tackling the 'Coffee 2050 Problem', at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (May 26, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 26, 2026
Meiwa Corporation has partnered with Gekkeikan to develop 'Ginsai', a purely domestic coffee fermented with sake yeast. It will be sold in limited quantities at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum starting June 1, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 11:44 (12 min after Collected)
This initiative aims to create sustainable coffee production and new value by fusing Japanese cultivation techniques with traditional fermentation technology, addressing the global 'Coffee 2050 Problem' where coffee-growing areas are expected to halve due to global warming.
[Background of the Business Concept]
This project originated from Meiwa Corporation's 'Intrapreneur Development Program,' which aims to explore and create new value beyond existing businesses. Started in 2023, this is the first project proposed by employees through the program.
[The Encounter of 'Pure Domestic Coffee' and 'Sake Yeast']
Cultivation of domestic coffee began last July in a greenhouse facility in Narita, Chiba. 'Ginsai' uses carefully selected coffee cherries from the Narita farm and high-quality cherries from 'Yamakou Farm.' These were fermented using Gekkeikan's sake fermentation technology and secret sake yeast, cultivated over 100 years. The sake yeast imparts a rich aroma reminiscent of Ginjo sake and a clear, clean taste to the coffee.
[Gekkeikan's Traditional Technology and Academic Recognition]
Since opening its research lab in 1909, Gekkeikan has led the development of fermentation technology. On March 10 this year, they presented the research on applying sake yeast to coffee fermentation at an academic conference, where its innovation was recognized.
FAQ
What is 'Gin-sai' coffee?
It is a coffee made from coffee cherries grown in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, fermented using the superior sake fermentation techniques and sake yeast of Gekkeikan. It is characterized by its rich aroma and clear taste.
Where and at what price is it sold?
It is sold at the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. A pack of three drip bags (10g x 3) costs 3,240 yen (including tax).
What is the 'Coffee 2050 Problem' that underlies the project?
It is the issue that the world's suitable coffee production areas are expected to halve by 2050 due to the impact of global warming.
What are the technical features of this product?
The product utilizes Gekkeikan's over 100-year-old sake fermentation technology, which has been applied to coffee. This innovation has been presented and recognized at academic conferences.
Where will it be sold?
It will be sold at the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum in Fushimi, Kyoto, starting June 1, 2026, with an initial limited release of about 30 boxes.