Japan's Northernmost Supermarket 'Aizawa Shokuryo Hyakkaten' Crowned Japan's Best; 'Kitanohashi Shokupan' Wins Grand Prix at Local Supermarket Grand Prix 2026

Kitanohashi Bakery, operated by Aizawa Shokuryo Hyakkaten in Wakkanai City, Hokkaido, announced today, May 11, 2026, on 'Local Supermarket Day,' that its 'Kitanohashi Shokupan' won the Grand Prix (Japan's best) at the 'Local Supermarket Grand Prix 2026' (organized by the General Incorporated Association of National Local Supermarkets). Additionally, 'Kitanohashi Sable Can' received the semi-Grand Prix, and all four submitted products achieved top rankings.

'Northernmost Flavor' Selected from Over 12,000 Total Votes

This year marks the 5th edition of the Grand Prix, determined by public voting via Instagram. Amidst a fierce competition with a total of 12,336 votes, our four submitted products received the following awards:

【Grand Prix】 Kitanohashi Shokupan (Local Supermarket Food Category)

【Semi-Grand Prix】 Kitanohashi Sable Can (Local Supermarket Souvenir Category)

【Special Association Award】 Homemade Salmon Kasuzuke Grilled Special Makunouchi Bento

【Award】 Chuo Suisan Overnight Pickled Hime Hokke

With these awards, this marks our second Grand Prix (Japan's best) win in four years, following the 'Homemade Salmon Kasuzuke Grilled Special Makunouchi Bento' in the first competition.

Kitanohashi Shokupan, Kitanohashi Sable Can, Homemade Salmon Kasuzuke Grilled Special Makunouchi Bento

What is Kitanohashi Shokupan?

We wanted to create a simple, comforting bread that could replace rice. With that in mind, it's made with only the essential ingredients for bread making: Hokkaido wheat, Soya salt, and yeast. Since it contains no sugar, butter, milk, or eggs, it's light on the body and pairs well with any dish. Our special 'Yudane method' gives it a crispy texture when toasted and a chewy bite. Although it doesn't keep for long, it's our signature product that children and adults can enjoy safely every day.

What is Kitanohashi Sable Can?

This is a set of less-sweet sables, characteristic of Kitanohashi Bakery. Since our opening, our popular butter sables come in two flavors: plain and cocoa, made with Hokkaido wheat, rye, Toyotomi butter, and Soya salt. There are also two types of fragrant almond balls with roasted walnuts: plain and chocolate. Additionally, the can includes coffee sable and cinnamon cranberry sable. Enjoy the rich variety of six types, with their natural flavors and crisp texture. The packaging features the charming 'ha' and 'shi' characters from our brand logo, making it a delightful souvenir.

Major Media Broadcast and Publication Achievements (as of May 11, 2026)

Following these awards, we were featured on the following programs:

・TBS Television 'Hirunobi' (Broadcast on Monday, May 11, 2026)

・Nippon Television 'news every.' (Broadcast in the 'Kinaru!' corner on Monday, May 11, 2026)

・HBC Hokkaido Broadcasting 'Kyo Doki!' (Broadcast in the 'Rank Queen' corner on Monday, May 11, 2026)

Fusion of International Design Evaluation and Regionally Rooted 'Food'

'Kitanohashi Bakery' has also received global recognition for its brand design. We have communicated world-class creativity from Japan's northernmost region, with awards such as a Silver at the New York ADC Awards and a Wood Pencil (equivalent to Bronze) at the D&AD Awards, a pinnacle of the creative world.

We are confident that these awards are the result of combining the 'power of design' with 'reliable taste that can be safely eaten every day.'

Reference: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000162554.html

About Kitanohashi Bakery

'Kitanohashi Bakery' is a bakery brand that utilizes ingredients from Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost region, baking additive-free, long-fermentation bread, including 'Kitanohashi Shokupan.' Moving forward, we aim to expand beyond bread and develop into a 'regional brand' that cross-sectionally connects producers and businesses in Wakkanai, promoting Wakkanai's food nationwide.

About Aizawa Shokuryo Hyakkaten

This is a local supermarket that has been operating for 100 years in Wakkanai City, Japan's northernmost city. We aim to be a department store that creates 'the new normal of food,' focusing on healthy self-produced items such as 'Kitanohashi Bakery' and 'Ganbaru Muttenka Bento.'

Company Profile

Company Name: Aizawa Shokuryo Hyakkaten Co., Ltd. Location: 3-5-8 Chuo, Wakkanai, Hokkaido Founded: 1923 (Taisho 12) Representative: Representative Director and President: Toshihiko Fukuma

Business Activities: Supermarket business

References ▶︎Website Kitanohashi Bakery: https://kitanohashi.com/

Aizawa Shokuryo Hyakkaten: https://www.aizawafood.com/

Aizawa Saihoku Hyakkaten Online