[Hokkaido Exclusive] Yubari Melon Jelly Rich Taste Mini: A New Souvenir Product Condensing 40 Years of Expertise to Recreate Authentic Flavor in a Single Bite

Against the backdrop of recovering inbound tourism and a revitalizing Hokkaido souvenir market, Hokushin Foods Co., Ltd. will launch 'Yubari Melon Jelly Rich Taste Mini' on May 1, 2026, exclusively in Hokkaido. This new product is developed based on over 40 years of refined technology. In 1984, the company introduced the first-ever Yubari melon jelly in collaboration with the Yubari Agricultural Coop. The flavor, perfected over decades, has come to be described by customers as 'just like the real melon.' This product condenses that expertise into a mini size with meticulous attention to detail. Key features include the aroma of Yubari melon that spreads the moment you open the cup and its vibrant orange jelly appearance.

The Original Yubari Melon Jelly Company Our company worked early on to develop Yubari melon jelly in partnership with the Yubari Agricultural Coop. High-quality Yubari melons were subject to strict quality control standards to maintain the brand, which inevitably resulted in some non-standard melons. The jelly production started with the desire of farmers and the cooperative to avoid wasting the melons they had worked so hard to grow. We went through trial and error to recreate the rich aroma and juicy texture of Yubari melons in jelly form. After much struggle, we released our Yubari Melon Jelly in 1984. The technology cultivated over these 40+ years of development forms the foundation of this new product's flavor.

'Mini-Exclusive Design' Condensing 40 Years of Expertise This product is based on the flavor creation cultivated through conventional products but has been refined as a 'Mini-Exclusive Design' that recreates the peak of Yubari melon flavor in a single bite.

Design where the peak flavor is completed in one bite The design ensures that the aroma rises the moment the cup is opened, and the peak flavor is maximized by finishing it in one bite. In addition to the rich aroma characteristic of Yubari melons, we intentionally left a hint of 'greenness' to achieve a more realistic and deep fragrance. While regular-sized products are designed with the assumption of continuous eating, this product is designed to be completed in one bite, allowing the flavor peak to be concentrated at a single point.

Flavor born from over 40 years of trial and error The biggest challenge in recreating Yubari melon was the expression of 'aroma.' If the scent was too strong, it would smell too much like a green gourd, but if it was too weak, the essence of Yubari melon would be lost. We repeatedly verified combinations of fragrances and liqueurs. Furthermore, we adjusted the balance of sweetness and texture not only to mimic the melon but also from the perspective of 'is it delicious as a jelly?' This accumulation of trial and error has led to a flavor that maximizes the charm of Yubari melon in a single bite.

Juice content increased by approximately 9% for a more direct taste We have increased the juice content by about 9% compared to our conventional products. By adjusting the juice amount, we added depth to the taste, achieving an aroma and flavor that lets you recognize Yubari melon from the very first bite.

Mini-size design suitable for souvenir demand By adopting a mini size, we achieved both: - Individually wrapped for easy distribution - An affordable price range This product has high compatibility with souvenir demand at airports and tourist spots, satisfying both personal use and gifting needs simultaneously. Since it provides satisfaction even in small amounts, it is also an easy choice as a reward for oneself.

Why this product now? With the recovery of inbound tourism, the number of tourists and inbound consumption is on an upward trend, and the demand for souvenirs in Hokkaido is expanding. In fact, from April to December 2024, the number of tourists in Hokkaido recovered to approximately 39.1 million (about 86% compared to pre-COVID levels), and the number of inbound visitors recovered to about 89%. Furthermore, inbound consumption has reached record highs. *Source: Hokkaido Data Book 2025_Tourism. This product was developed to meet the demand for 'highly value-added souvenirs that are easy to distribute' using the iconic material of 'Yubari Melon.' It will be rolled out primarily at airport shops and souvenir stores within Hokkaido.