Minute-by-minute temperature control and skilled techniques preserve pride for the next generation – Concentrating the passion of the production area, 'Melting Texture Gyutto Melon' with 21% Hokkaido melon juice launches from June 9 (Tuesday)

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Tateo Kotani) will celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026. Based on the five keywords it has been working on continuously, the company is active under the slogan 'Ichiban Challenge.' As part of efforts to achieve 'the most delicious' and 'the most loved by the community,' FamilyMart will launch 'Melting Texture Gyutto Melon' at 239 yen (258 yen including tax) from Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 16,100 FamilyMart stores nationwide, excluding Okinawa Prefecture. ■ The popular melon ice bar from the 'Producing Area & Convenience' series returns! The 'Producing Area & Convenience' series is a private brand 'Famima!' that uses domestic fruits and supports sustainable fruit production. The melon juice ice bar, which has been well-received every year since its launch in 2023, returns this year as well. This time, similar to last year's popular rich flavor, it uses 21% 'Hokkaido melon juice' combining Yubari melon and Furano melon juice. The blend ratio of the juice has been refined to maximize the natural deliciousness of the melon. ■ The passion of the northern land connected by the 'Producing Area & Convenience' series This series aims to support sustainable fruit production. This time, FamilyMart visited the production area of Yubari melon, a representative of Hokkaido. When we visited in late April, a cold wind carrying the scent of melting snow blew through Yubari. However, stepping into the greenhouse, there was a powerful heat accelerating toward summer fruiting. The farmers were engaged in a tense dialogue with the melons, with no room for relaxation until the upcoming summer harvest. Although Hokkaido has a strong image as a summer resort, recent heatwaves have brought significant challenges to the production area. The passion of farmers trying to preserve traditional quality and the harsh natural environment that changes minute by minute. The true taste of melons, born from this serious competition, is packed into this ice bar. ■ The polished crystals engraved in the 'net pattern' The reason for the quiet tension in the greenhouse lies in 'temperature control,' which is the lifeblood of Yubari melon. Skilled techniques calculate the severe diurnal temperature difference and control the greenhouse environment minute by minute. This cultivation technology, honed over many years, brings out the melting sweetness and rich aroma. The beautiful 'net pattern' that symbolizes Yubari melon is a 'proof of growth' created as the skin endures the force of the sweet and large-growing flesh inside and tries to compensate. However, recent heatwaves have made it difficult even to draw this delicate pattern. 'The recent temperature rise is a considerable burden. We need measures such as shading materials, and working in the intense heat is physically demanding,' says a farmer. With the risk of fruits swelling too much due to sudden heat, leading to uneven net patterns or even cracking ('body splitting'), what drives them is the pride of 'protecting the quality of Yubari melon.' Even if the net pattern is slightly uneven, inside, having endured the harsh environment, there is a melting rich aroma and overwhelming sweetness. ■ The polished crystals engraved in the 'net pattern' The traditional taste preserved through a long history. To pass on its value to the future, an environment where farmers can continue to produce with peace of mind is essential. Because the fruit is delicate and easily affected by weather, a place was needed to deliver the carefully cultivated flavor without waste. Turning the supreme taste nurtured in the Yubari region into a luxurious ice bar. This initiative creates stable demand for production areas fighting weather risks and becomes a strong partnership supporting next-generation production. 'We want to pass on the joy of growing Yubari melons to successors and their children. Having our products on store shelves nationwide is a great encouragement,' says a farmer. We reaffirmed the significance of this project with those words. The melon field depicted on the package is a testament to respect for the pride of farmers who faced harsh nature and protected each fruit. Picking up this ice bar is a solid step to support the future of the production area together. 'I hope that by eating this ice bar, people will become interested in real Yubari melons and enjoy them.' The passion felt in the greenhouse in April and the thoughts of the farmers. Please enjoy this bar that encapsulates all of that. ■ FamilyMart's official website introduces the 'Producing Area & Convenience' series! To let more people know about the initiatives with production areas, FamilyMart's official website has a special page for the 'Producing Area & Convenience' series. The special page provides detailed information about the production area. URL: https://www.family.co.jp/sustainability/icebar.html 【Product Details】 【Product Name】Melting Texture Gyutto Melon 【Price】239 yen (258 yen including tax) 【Release Date】Tuesday, June 9, 2026 【Sales Area】Nationwide, excluding Okinawa Prefecture 【Contents】An ice bar using 21% Hokkaido melon juice, characterized by juicy and rich sweetness. The melon juice uses Yubari melon and Furano melon juice. It has a two-layer structure: a rich melon juice layer and a melting texture gelato layer. * Image is for illustration purposes only. * As this product is subject to reduced tax rate, the tax-included price is displayed with 8% consumption tax. * Prices and release dates may vary by region. * Some stores may not carry this product. FamilyMart, under the slogan 'You & Convenience, FamilyMart,' aims to be close to the community, connect with each customer like family, and become an indispensable place beyond convenience. ■ The meaning behind 'Ichiban Challenge' FamilyMart celebrates its 45th anniversary in September 2026. To continue being chosen as the 'number one' by customers beyond the framework of convenience stores in response to changing times, we have adopted a new slogan: 'Creating many of your number ones, the Ichiban Challenge.' Under this motto, based on eight areas—'Delicious,' 'A Little Advantage,' 'Exciting Fun,' 'Discover Wonderful Things,' 'Innovative and Cutting-Edge,' 'Environmentally Friendly,' 'Want to Work,' and 'Loved by the Community'—we will continue the biggest challenge in FamilyMart's history. 45th Anniversary Special Site: https://www.family.co.jp/campaign/spot/2026_45th.html