Choya's Authentic Umeshu "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT" Win Double Gold at International Spirits Competition "SFWSC2026"
Key facts
- Choya's Authentic Umeshu "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT" Win Double Gold at International Spirits Competition "SFWSC2026"
- Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. announced that its authentic umeshu products, "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT," have won the Double Gold award at the international spirits competition "The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026." Additionally, "The CHOYA FRENCH OAK" received a Gold award. SFWSC is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions, with over 4,000 entries from more than 70 countries this year.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. announced that its authentic umeshu products, "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT," have won the Double Gold award at the international spirits competition "The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026." Additionally, "The CHOYA FRENCH OAK" received a Gold award. SFWSC is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions, with over 4,000 entries from more than 70 countries this year.
- Citation
- Choya's Authentic Umeshu "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT" Win Double Gold at International Spirits Competition "SFWSC2026" (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. announced that its authentic umeshu products, "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT," have won the Double Gold award at the international spirits competition "The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026." Additionally, "The CHOYA FRENCH OAK" received a Gold award. SFWSC is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions, with over 4,000 entries from more than 70 countries this year.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 11:51
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (5h 0m after Collected)
Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture, President: Shigehiro Kondo, hereinafter referred to as Choya) is pleased to announce that its authentic umeshu products, "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT," have won the Double Gold award, and "The CHOYA FRENCH OAK" has won the Gold award at the international spirits competition, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (hereinafter referred to as SFWSC) 2026.
About SFWSC (The San Francisco World Spirits Competition)
Established in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential spirits competitions globally.
"SFWSC 2026," marking its 26th year, received over 4,000 entries from more than 70 countries worldwide.
The award ranks are divided into four tiers: "Double Gold," "Gold," "Silver," and "Bronze." Judging is conducted through rigorous blind tastings by over 60 experienced professionals. "Double Gold" is awarded to products that receive high scores from all judges, earning a Gold rating.
Official Website: https://thetastingalliance.com/events/san-francisco-world-spirits-competition
SFWSC2026 Results Page: https://thetastingalliance.com/results
Award-Winning Products
● The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT
Double Gold Winner
This authentic umeshu is a blend of deeply aged umeshu, matured for over 3 years in storage tanks through still aging, and a fruity puree made from whole, ripe Nanko ume plums brought to the peak of ripeness. It features a mellow flavor from aging, a smooth texture from the plum puree, and a refreshing aftertaste.
At SFWSC 2024, it won "Best of Class Fruit Liqueur" and the highest honor in all liqueur categories, "Best in Show Liqueur," earning the title of World's No. 1 Liqueur. It also received the "Double Gold" award at last year's SFWSC 2025, making this its third consecutive Double Gold award.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA AGED 3 YEARS EXTRA FRUIT
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
700ml
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol, Plum Puree (Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu))
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥4,000 (excluding tax)
Release Date
March 2026 (Release in overseas and duty-free markets: July 2019)
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/umeshu/extra-fruit/
● The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT
Double Gold Winner
This authentic umeshu with whole ume fruits is made by steeping soft, thick-fleshed Nanko ume from Kishu in only sugars and alcohol, followed by over 1 year of aging. It is characterized by its rich aroma and robust acidity.
This is the first time it has won the Double Gold award.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
650ml (100ml of ume fruits)
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥1,200 (excluding tax)
Release Date
March 2019
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/umeshu/the-choya-shigokunoume/
● The CHOYA FRENCH OAK
Gold Winner
This is a rare authentic umeshu, aged for a total of over 5 years, with the base umeshu aged for 3 years in tanks dedicated to umeshu production, followed by over 2 years of secondary aging in roasted French oak barrels. It possesses a rich, sweet aroma enhanced by the elegant fragrance of French oak.
Despite its deep color, it features a balanced taste with mellow, gentle acidity.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA FRENCH OAK
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
700ml
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (excluding tax)
Release Date
September 2025 (Limited quantity) (Release in overseas and duty-free markets: September 2024)
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/craft/the-choya-french-oak/
The award-winning products are also available for purchase at Choya's official online shop, "Choya-an."
■ Official Online Shop "Choya-an": https://www.choya-an.jp/
With the slogan "Deliver the power of ume," Choya pursues new possibilities of ume and delivers the wonderfulness of ume to people around the world for healthy and enjoyable daily lives.
■ Company Overview
Company Name
Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd.
Established
June 1962
Capital
¥28 million
Representative
Shigehiro Kondo, Representative Director and President
Business Description
Manufacturing and sales of umeshu and ume-related products
Location
160-1 Komagaya, Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture, 583-0841
Main Sales Destinations
Wholesalers nationwide, Europe and the United States, Southeast Asian countries, etc.
Website
https://www.choya.jp
About SFWSC (The San Francisco World Spirits Competition)
Established in 2000, SFWSC is one of the most influential spirits competitions globally.
"SFWSC 2026," marking its 26th year, received over 4,000 entries from more than 70 countries worldwide.
The award ranks are divided into four tiers: "Double Gold," "Gold," "Silver," and "Bronze." Judging is conducted through rigorous blind tastings by over 60 experienced professionals. "Double Gold" is awarded to products that receive high scores from all judges, earning a Gold rating.
Official Website: https://thetastingalliance.com/events/san-francisco-world-spirits-competition
SFWSC2026 Results Page: https://thetastingalliance.com/results
Award-Winning Products
● The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT
Double Gold Winner
This authentic umeshu is a blend of deeply aged umeshu, matured for over 3 years in storage tanks through still aging, and a fruity puree made from whole, ripe Nanko ume plums brought to the peak of ripeness. It features a mellow flavor from aging, a smooth texture from the plum puree, and a refreshing aftertaste.
At SFWSC 2024, it won "Best of Class Fruit Liqueur" and the highest honor in all liqueur categories, "Best in Show Liqueur," earning the title of World's No. 1 Liqueur. It also received the "Double Gold" award at last year's SFWSC 2025, making this its third consecutive Double Gold award.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA AGED 3 YEARS EXTRA FRUIT
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
700ml
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol, Plum Puree (Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu))
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥4,000 (excluding tax)
Release Date
March 2026 (Release in overseas and duty-free markets: July 2019)
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/umeshu/extra-fruit/
● The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT
Double Gold Winner
This authentic umeshu with whole ume fruits is made by steeping soft, thick-fleshed Nanko ume from Kishu in only sugars and alcohol, followed by over 1 year of aging. It is characterized by its rich aroma and robust acidity.
This is the first time it has won the Double Gold award.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
650ml (100ml of ume fruits)
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥1,200 (excluding tax)
Release Date
March 2019
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/umeshu/the-choya-shigokunoume/
● The CHOYA FRENCH OAK
Gold Winner
This is a rare authentic umeshu, aged for a total of over 5 years, with the base umeshu aged for 3 years in tanks dedicated to umeshu production, followed by over 2 years of secondary aging in roasted French oak barrels. It possesses a rich, sweet aroma enhanced by the elegant fragrance of French oak.
Despite its deep color, it features a balanced taste with mellow, gentle acidity.
■ Product Information
Product Name
The CHOYA FRENCH OAK
Alcohol Content
15%
Category
Liqueur, Authentic Umeshu
Volume
700ml
Ingredients
Ume (Nanko ume from Kishu), Sugars, Alcohol
Price
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (excluding tax)
Release Date
September 2025 (Limited quantity) (Release in overseas and duty-free markets: September 2024)
Product Page
https://www.choya.co.jp/products/craft/the-choya-french-oak/
The award-winning products are also available for purchase at Choya's official online shop, "Choya-an."
■ Official Online Shop "Choya-an": https://www.choya-an.jp/
With the slogan "Deliver the power of ume," Choya pursues new possibilities of ume and delivers the wonderfulness of ume to people around the world for healthy and enjoyable daily lives.
■ Company Overview
Company Name
Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd.
Established
June 1962
Capital
¥28 million
Representative
Shigehiro Kondo, Representative Director and President
Business Description
Manufacturing and sales of umeshu and ume-related products
Location
160-1 Komagaya, Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture, 583-0841
Main Sales Destinations
Wholesalers nationwide, Europe and the United States, Southeast Asian countries, etc.
Website
https://www.choya.jp
FAQ
Which Choya Umeshu products won Double Gold at SFWSC 2026?
Two products, "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" and "The CHOYA GOLDEN UME FRUIT," won the Double Gold award.
What kind of competition is SFWSC?
SFWSC, established in 2000, is one of the world's most influential spirits competitions.
Has "The CHOYA AGED 3YEARS EXTRA FRUIT" won awards before?
Yes, this product has won the Double Gold award for three consecutive years at SFWSC.
Where can I purchase the award-winning umeshu?
The award-winning products are available at Choya's official online shop "Choya-an" and through nationwide liquor wholesalers.
What is Choya Umeshu's corporate philosophy?
With the slogan "Deliver the power of ume," they aim to deliver the wonders of ume to the world.