Fusion of '-50°C Rapid Freezing × Carbonated Water × Temperature Control Technology' Gives Birth to Next-Generation Premium Ice 'ICE DROP'

Alconix Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; representative: Hiroshi Tegoshi), which operates the beverage water solution brand 'Purezza,' M+ Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; representative: Kin'ya Maeno), and Espec Corp. (headquartered in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; representative: Satoshi Arata) have jointly developed the next-generation premium ice 'ICE DROP (Ice Drop)' by integrating their respective proprietary technologies. Free from coloring agents, flavorings, and preservatives (except bamboo charcoal brown sugar), this entirely new type of ice offers a flavor-changing experience as it melts. It will be available starting May 2026 at BREWSTOCK (Brewstock), M+'s directly operated café (located in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City), which soft-opened in May 2026.

■ Development Background and Challenges

Conventional beverage ice has a fundamental issue: slow freezing causes large ice crystals to form, damaging the cellular structure of ingredients and degrading flavor and aroma upon thawing. Additionally, many flavored ices use coloring agents and preservatives, creating a gap with modern consumers' values of 'tasting the ingredient itself.'

By combining their respective strengths, the three companies directly addressed these challenges.

■ New Value Created by Technological Integration

Company

Core Technology / Product

Contribution to ICE DROP

M+ Co., Ltd.

-50°C Liquid Rapid Freezing (Storm Freezer)

Patent No. 7310961

Instantly freezes ingredients without damaging cells, locking in the natural flavor, color, and aroma of fruits and vegetables without additives.

Patent pending for ingredient penetration technology into frozen fruits

Espec Corp.

-70°C Ultra-Low Temperature Shock Freezer, Veed Pro

Enables long-term quality preservation of ice and ultra-fast passage through the maximum ice crystal formation zone.

Transforms visually imperfect fruits into high-value materials, contributing to food waste reduction

Alconix Co., Ltd. (Purezza)

Sparkling Water Dispenser (Purezza Classe)

Commercial-grade carbonated water dispenser capable of supplying 60L per hour, ensuring stable delivery of ultra-micro carbonated water. Synergizes with carbonation trapped in the ice to create a delicate effervescence that spreads upon melting

■ ICE DROP Product Overview

[Flavor Lineup (Initial Launch)]

Flavor

Ingredients & Features

Flavor Change Highlights

Purezza Kyoto Water

Kyoto water treated with Purezza. Pure and smooth taste

As it melts, the clear, distinct character of Kyoto's water unfolds

Freshly Made Kyoto Carbonated Water

Trapped ultra-micro carbonation creates a light mouthfeel

A refreshing sensation evolves with temperature changes

Hiroshima Lemon

Uses puree from lemons grown in Hiroshima Prefecture. No coloring agents or preservatives

A refreshing sourness and aroma unfold with a time delay

Ehime Grapefruit

Uses puree from grapefruits grown in Ehime Prefecture. Balanced bitterness and fresh tartness

Complex fruit flavors emerge as it melts

Bamboo Charcoal Brown Sugar (Roasted)

A fusion of rich brown sugar and bamboo charcoal mineral notes. Hygienically safe for use

Deep richness and a gradient of sweetness through temperature change

[Main Features]

● No coloring agents, flavorings, or preservatives (except bamboo charcoal brown sugar): composed solely of natural color, aroma, and taste from ingredients

● Cylindrical commercial shape for easy handling; can be crushed in glass

● 'Flavor-changing' experience as it melts: flavor profile evolves from 0 min → 5 min → 10 min

● Food waste reduction: ethical ingredient utilization through component penetration technology for substandard fruits

■ Sales and Availability

Store Name

BREWSTOCK (Brewstock) Kyoto

Address

337 Nuriyamachi, Karasuma-Oike-agaru, Kurumayamachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-0843 (inside M+ Kyoto Showroom & Lab)

Access

1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Karasuma-Oike Station on the Tozai Line

Grand Opening

Scheduled for end of June 2026 (before Gion Festival) ※ Soft opening: May 2026

Business Hours

Please check official BREWSTOCK information: https://brewstock.co

■ Future Plans

ICE DROP will be rolled out gradually, starting from BREWSTOCK.

● July 2026: Carbonated ice campaign aligned with Gion Festival, introduction of tap-type QR self-service

● August 2026: Joint exhibition at Café & Restaurant Show (market data collection and business validation)

● Autumn 2026: Consideration of expansion to Fukushima-ya Tokyo (Roppongi Hills, ARK Hills, Akihabara)

● December 2026: Full café opening inside Fukushima-ya (planned)

● Mid-to-long term: Nationwide and international expansion via franchise model

■ Company Comments

Kin'ya Maeno, Representative, M+ Co., Ltd.

“Our philosophy of 'designing taste, aroma, and aftertaste with ice' has been truly realized for the first time through the fusion of Purezza’s carbonated water technology and Espec’s ultra-low temperature technology. ICE DROP is not just ice—it is a platform for dining experiences. We will position BREWSTOCK as a global hub for creating culinary culture.”

Purezza Representative, Alconix Co., Ltd.

“We are proud that the precise carbonated water control technology cultivated by 'Purezza' plays a core role in supporting the flavor-changing experience of ICE DROP. Under our shared values of additive-free and high quality, we will deliver a new Japanese-originated drink culture to the world.”

[Inquiries regarding this matter: Purezza Business Division, Alconix Co., Ltd.]
TEL: 03-3596-7425 (main)
Mail: waterlogic@alconix.com
URL: https://www.purezzawater.jp/

[About Alconix Group]

Purpose (Group's Reason for Being): For someone's future, somewhere

Vision (Group's Desired State): Connecting people, things, and technology

The Alconix Group, under the corporate slogan 'Drawing the Future We Dreamed Of,' is a comprehensive solution provider offering non-ferrous metals essential for manufacturing—such as aluminum, copper, and rare earths—through its trading and distribution segment (handling wholesale and logistics) and its manufacturing segment (handling processing and production). Through next-generation business development, the group aims to create sustainable business models and enhance competitiveness within Japan’s manufacturing industry.

○ For more information on Alconix Group, please visit the official website or Integrated Report.

Official Website: https://www.alconix.com/

Integrated Report 2025: https://www.alconix.com/assets/docs/ir/integrated_report_ja.pdf

[M+ Co., Ltd.]

Representative: Kin'ya Maeno

Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / Kyoto Showroom & Lab: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City

Business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of freezing equipment; food freezing consulting; environmental business

Main Product: Liquid Rapid Freezer 'Storm Freezer' (operating temperature range: -35°C to -50°C)

[Espec Corp.] (East