Bacon Once Deemed "Unsellable" Locally Achieves Global Acclaim 40 Years After Shibuya Seibu Success: Hokkaido's Edelweiss Farm Wins "Diamond Taste Award" at International Taste Institute!

Diamond Award

Edelweiss Farm Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Hajime Nozaki), located in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido, which has been manufacturing ham and bacon using traditional German methods from the 1920s, is proud to announce that its flagship product, "Bacon," has received the highest honor, the "Diamond Taste Award (Diamond Taste Award)," from the International Taste Institute (ITI), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
This award is presented only to exceptionally outstanding products that have achieved the highest rating of "3 Stars (★★★)" a total of seven times in the past ten years through blind tasting by world-class chefs and sommeliers. It is the world's pinnacle taste award.

*About the International Taste Institute (ITI): Commitment to "Pure Deliciousness" Beyond Data

While numerous food contests exist globally, the ITI distinguishes itself by placing an intense focus on "pure deliciousness" as perceived by the human senses, going beyond mechanical component analysis and "quality data" on paper.

The judges are top-tier professionals in taste, including Michelin-starred chefs and leading figures from renowned European sommelier associations. They conduct their evaluations in a complete "blind" state, with the product's packaging, brand name, and nationality entirely concealed. They award scores based solely on their palate, adhering to five strict criteria: "First Impression," "Appearance," "Aroma," "Taste (Texture)," and "Aftertaste." Therefore, winning this award is irrefutable proof of possessing an "absolute taste recognized as delicious by everyone on a global standard," where no superficial tricks can succeed.

For Pot-au-feu

Long-aged bacon is rich in umami. Its deep flavor can even be luxuriously used as a broth.

Easily Crispy

Many bacons in Japan contain added water, preventing them from becoming crispy. However, this bacon allows anyone to easily make perfectly crispy bacon.

Oak Wood Aged for Two Years

By smoking two-year naturally dried oak wood logs, the aged meat's umami is maximized without any bitterness or astringency.

Natural Texture

Since no binders or water-retaining agents are used, you can enjoy the texture of "delicious meat" in its natural state.
2. 40 Years Since a Famous Hotel Chef's Request: A History of Perseverance Against Rejection Due to "Too Short Shelf Life"

Edelweiss Farm's history began in 1986 when the executive chef of the Sapporo Grand Hotel, then acclaimed as "Hokkaido's No. 1," requested them to "recreate the authentic taste of traditional German flavor." This year, 2026, marks a significant milestone as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Recognized for its taste by top hotel chefs, the products were quickly launched in department stores in Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa. However, in Hokkaido during the 1980s, they were constantly compared to cheaper, mass-produced hams and bacons available in general distribution. Customers would say, "It's delicious, but quite expensive," and they struggled to make sales. Due to the traditional manufacturing process, which involves painstaking effort and no preservatives, water-retaining agents, or additives for volume enhancement, they couldn't lower the price. There were times when they almost gave up, thinking, "This is impossible."

In the midst of such despair, they received an offer to participate in a special event during the gift season at Shibuya Seibu Department Store, then considered "Japan's No. 1." Grasping at straws, they participated for the first time and immediately ranked within the top 5 in sales for direct-from-producer gifts. Subsequently, they dominated the sales of the direct-from-producer gift section at the same store for approximately three and a half years.

After withdrawing from Shibuya due to the collapse of the bubble economy, they shifted to event sales while receiving offers from numerous department stores. Later, adapting to changing times, they built a foundation by focusing on online mail-order sales. With the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, they reinvested all their energy into "department store events," leading to a resurgence in popularity and a major breakthrough.

A scene from an actual product exhibition. Many major stores experience this situation daily before closing. We are truly grateful.
3. Captivating the World: The "Crystalization of Time and Effort" by Artisans

Smokers meticulously manage conditions based on the day's temperature and humidity.

This global recognition is the result of accumulated time and effort, a stark contrast to efficient mass production.

- Approximately 1-month sub-zero aging: Born from an accidental discovery, long-term aging in a unique sub-zero temperature range (from below 0°C to freezing point) maximizes the meat's inherent umami.

- Charcoal-fired finishing and unique warm smoking: Using oak (nara) wood charcoal, each piece is finished with exquisite temperature control (warm smoking) based on years of experience.

4. "Western Katsuobushi" Inspires "Bacon Bushi®": A Hit Product with Over 50,000 Units Sold, Also Popular at New Chitose Airport

Inspired by a customer's comment at a product exhibition calling it "Western Katsuobushi" (dried bonito flakes), they further evolved the world-recognized manufacturing technology (sub-zero aging, charcoal-fired finishing) to create "Bacon Bushi®," a long-aged product made from pork thigh, released in the summer of 2023. Without any preservatives, they developed a special method of reducing water activity through roasting and dry aging. Although only 2 kg of product can be made from 10 kg of raw material, it overcomes bacon's weakness of a two-week refrigerated shelf life, enabling distribution at room temperature for 180 days.

Bacon Bushi

This product, which proposes a new food culture of "meat to be shaved and eaten," is now a staple souvenir at New Chitose Airport and is spreading nationwide as a representative taste of Hokkaido. Despite its limited premium sales channels, it has achieved an exceptional hit, selling over 50,000 units cumulatively since its release.

Furthermore, a new Bacon Bushi is scheduled for release in the fall, which is sure to attract attention again.

5. Gift the World's Best Impression for Father's Day and Summer Greetings (Ochugen)

With the recent receipt of the "Diamond Taste Award," the world's highest honor, the value of our bacon, ham, and Bacon Bushi® as "unique gifts recognized by the world" has further increased. They make an unparalleled special surprise and delight as gifts for loved ones for upcoming occasions such as Father's Day, summer greetings (Ochugen), and year-end gifts (Oseibo).

6. Comment from Representative Director, Hajime Nozaki

"This award is, above all, the crystallization of the efforts of all our staff, including the employees who have worked tirelessly every day on the rigorous production floor, pursuing 'authentic deliciousness and safety' without any compromise. Our somewhat clumsy dedication, which was laughed at for its short shelf life and repeatedly rejected, has been supported by the warm voices of our customers at product exhibitions, and has finally been recognized by top chefs worldwide as 'the ultimate taste.' This is proof of the pride and skill of all our on-site staff as artisans. With this pride, we will continue to deliver感動 (kandou - deep emotion/inspiration) to our customers."

7. Company Overview

Company Name: Edelweiss Farm Co., Ltd.

Representative: Hajime Nozaki, Representative Director

Location: 531-7 Watsuka, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido

Official Website: https://www.someplace-else.com/