Commercializing Fan Ideas for 'Kataage Potato'! 'Kataage Potato Negi-shio dare' Features Green Onion Aroma and Beef Umami for Pairing with Beer

Calbee, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shin Ehara) will launch 'Kataage Potato Negi-shio dare,' a product born from fan ideas, for a limited time starting June 15, 2026, at convenience stores nationwide, and at other retailers from June 22, 2026.

[Background of Development]
Kataage Potato is a potato chip line developed by carrying on the traditional kettle-cooking method born in the U.S. in the mid-19th century. It debuted in Hokkaido on November 8, 1993, and gradually expanded its sales area. Expanding nationwide in 2005, it is a long-selling brand with over 30 years of history. It is loved by many for its hard texture created by carefully frying thick-sliced potatoes, allowing the flavor of the potato to shine through more as you chew. The brand offers standard flavors such as 'Lightly Salted,' 'Black Pepper,' and 'Grilled Seaweed,' as well as various seasonal offerings.

'Kataage Potato Negi-shio dare' was born from a request for a 'flavor that pairs with beer' within the 'Kataage Potato Ouen-bu' (hereinafter 'Ouen-bu') fan community. It was chosen from 675 submitted ideas. Incorporating feedback from the Ouen-bu, such as 'Green onions seem to go well with beer!' and 'I want to enjoy the hard texture while eating green onion salt,' the product was finished with a flavor that encourages beer drinking. The package features the 'Ouen-bu' icon to highlight that it is a co-created product with fans. It is recommended not only for accompanying beer but also for personal relaxation time.

[Product Features]
● The green onion aroma and beef umami are enhanced by moderate saltiness and garlic. It is a flavor approved by Kataage Potato fans that pairs perfectly with beer.
● The package design features a festive Japanese pattern background with grilled beef seasoned with green onion sauce, designed to stimulate the appetite. The 'Ouen-bu' icon is on the front, and the development history is on the back.

[Product Summary]
Product Name: Kataage Potato Negi-shio dare
Contents: 60g
Price: Open (estimated retail price around 190 yen including tax)
Release Date: June 15, 2026 (Mon) at convenience stores; June 22, 2026 (Mon) at other retailers

~What is the 'Kataage Potato Ouen-bu'?~
A fan community where 'Kataage Potato' fans from all over Japan gather to support and enjoy the brand. It has approximately 58,000 members (as of March 2026), and active interactions take place among fans. Please see the website for details.

[Campaign: Enjoy a Carefully Selected Moment with Alcohol]
Customers who purchase the target 'Kataage Potato' products and apply by postcard will have a chance to win 'Kataage Potato' and other prizes. 2,000 winners will be selected.

■ Target Products: 65g 'Kataage Potato Lightly Salted / Black Pepper / Oni-uma Black Pepper / Grilled Seaweed,' and 'Kataage Potato Negi-shio dare'
■ Application Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) to September 30, 2026 (Wed) (postmark valid)
■ Prizes & Winners:
Prize A: 'Cheers with Kataage Potato' Set (500 winners)
Prize B: 'Relaxing While Snacking' Set (500 winners)
Prize C: Amazon Gift Card worth 500 yen (1,000 winners)