5th Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix Award Winners Decided!

FM NORTH WAVE, a radio station in Hokkaido, held the 5th "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix North Wave Selection 2026-2027" to further boost the souvenir industry, a crucial element for Hokkaido's tourism. The award-winning companies have now been decided.

In addition to judges with professional perspectives on souvenirs and tourism, students majoring in tourism from Kessen Gakuen Educational Foundation, who will lead the future of the tourism industry, participated as special selection committee members to judge the grand prix. The judging criteria included not only "Can it become a standard Hokkaido souvenir?" but also evaluations from the perspectives of visual appeal, name, texture, transportability, and intuition.

All of the selected items are highly recommended as representative souvenirs of "Hokkaido."

[Sweets Category GRAND PRIX]

"Milk no Kumo" (Cloud of Milk)

(Hokkaido Sugar Co., Ltd.)

https://www.hokutou.co.jp/

This confection is made to resemble the white clouds floating in Hokkaido's vast sky. "Milk no Kumo" is a new sensation, fluffy Hokkaido sweet created by us, the producers of beet sugar, with the concept of "Transforming Hokkaido's ingredients into new forms with the power of beet sugar."

Its ingredients include our own beet sugar and whole milk powder made from raw milk produced in Hokkaido. Through a unique cotton candy processing technique, it achieves a moist and fluffy texture, different from traditional cotton candy, resembling clouds.

Just as a trip may end in an instant, we want the memories to remain in your heart forever. The moment you eat it, after a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, the gentle sweetness of beet sugar and the rich aftertaste of milk spread throughout your mouth. Please enjoy this new sensation souvenir sweet that allows you to savor it as if you were traveling.

☆Judge's Comment☆

The overall atmosphere is pleasant, and the concept of "Milk clouds floating in the Hokkaido blue sky" is appealing, with high marks given for the consistency between the packaging and the product itself. The use of Hokkaido-produced beet sugar and milk evokes a sense of Hokkaido, and the quality of the ingredients and simplicity are also impressive. Its fluffy, delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture, visual impact, and high originality make it a product with high expectations as a new type of souvenir.

[General Food Category GRAND PRIX]

"Hotate Kegani Shumai" (Scallop and Hairy Crab Shumai)

(Oshamanbe Fishery Cooperative Association)

https://wanpo.cc/

The fishing industry, the core industry of Oshamanbe Town, thrives with the abundant resources caught in the local bay. Among these, scallops and hairy crabs are the most representative. Scallops are sold nationwide under the "Wanpo" brand, and hairy crabs have long been a popular item in the "Kani Meshi" (crab rice) bento boxes. "Hotate Kegani Shumai" is made using these two major local specialties.

All ingredients are sourced from Hokkaido. The filling is made by mixing minced pork with a base of dried scallop broth and onions, with scallops placed inside. After wrapping in shumai wrappers, hairy crab and snow crab meat are placed on top. Each piece is handmade, resulting in a flavorful and juicy shumai where love and deliciousness are combined.

Furthermore, each piece weighs 50g, making it very satisfying to eat. It is highly popular as a souvenir from the fishery cooperative, available at nearby roadside stations and even in restaurants in the Kanto region, truly offering a taste of Hokkaido's best.

☆Judge's Comment☆

The packaging is simple yet clearly conveys that it contains crab and scallops. The use of Ainu patterns adds a touch of Hokkaido and luxury, which was highly praised. The contents are large and satisfying, with a luxurious flavor where the essence of hairy crab and scallops can be strongly felt. The satisfaction level relative to the price is also high, and with its focus on ingredients, generous portion size, and reassuring background, it is a product with ample appeal as a souvenir.

[General Goods/Cosmetics Category GRAND PRIX]

"Gentle Handmade. Mini 4-Piece Set"

(Natural Island Co., Ltd.)

https://island.natural-s.jp/

Born from the blessings of Hokkaido's nature, the "Gentle Handmade. Mini 4-Piece Set" is a hand cream set that you'll want to choose for your loved ones. The main ingredient, "Calendula," is a plant that has been cherished as a medicinal herb in Europe since ancient times for its gentle skin-protecting properties.

At Natural Island, we organically cultivate calendula on our own farm in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, and carefully extract its essence by hand-picking each petal. Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, relying on soil cultivation and human hands, the ingredients are imbued with the power of nature and the passion of the creators.

In addition, moisturizing ingredients derived from sunflowers, Job's tears, and beets envelop dry hands, leading to soft and supple skin. The set includes four scents: "Hamanasu Rose," evoking Hokkaido; "Warm Orange Ginger"; "Gently Spreading Lavender Jasmine"; and an unscented option suitable for everyone. It is a unique Hokkaido souvenir that delivers a moment of tenderness, much like the memories of a journey.

☆Judge's Comment☆

The assortment of multiple types is popular, and it is highly regarded as a souvenir that brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. The size and price are also reasonable and easy to choose, with the practical appeal of being a mini size that is easy to carry. The commitment to Hokkaido ingredients, the story behind the product, the natural and gentle scents, and the moist texture are also highly praised, making it a versatile product for everyday use and gifts.

[Challenge Category GRAND PRIX]

"Ripe Fuji Apple Rice Flour Financier"

(Sousei Farm)

https://sousei-farm.com/

Luxuriously uses Fuji apples ripened on the tree at Sousei Farm in Yoichi. By combining it with rice flour, it achieves a delicate moistness and light melt-in-your-mouth texture that is different from wheat flour. This financier blends the natural sweetness and acidity of apples with the rich aroma of butter.

☆Judge's Comment☆

The financier made with rice flour is highly praised for its moist texture, and its high level of completion despite being wheat-free is appealing. The natural sweetness and texture of the ripe Fuji apples are well-balanced, and the quality of the ingredients is evident. Being gluten-free makes it easily acceptable to a wide range of people, and the easy-to-understand name also aids in product comprehension. It has a sense of story and regionality, resulting in a product with high expectations for commercialization.

[General Food Category SEMI GRAND PRIX]

"Dashi Potato"

(Sakewo Co., Ltd.)

https://sakewo.co.jp/

This new product features French fries made with Hokkaido-grown potatoes, seasoned with "Sakewo's THE Hokkaido Dashi" (Hokkaido Broth). The "Sakewo's THE Hokkaido Dashi" used in this product won the Semi Grand Prix in the General Food Category at last year's "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix." It is a sustainable local broth made with Hokkaido kelp, Shibetsu salmon flakes, domestic shiitake mushrooms, and the "kajika" fish, an underutilized fish from eastern Hokkaido.

It is shaped into bite-sized cubes for easy eating and enjoyable texture. One bite will spread the sweetness of Hokkaido potatoes and the aroma and umami of Hokkaido broth. The crispy, light texture is also a characteristic.

This product was developed with the desire to introduce "Sakewo's THE Hokkaido Dashi" to more people and to create a snack that utilizes Hokkaido's regional resources. It challenges a new concept of combining French fries made from Hokkaido potatoes with Hokkaido "dashi," resulting in a snack that embodies "Hokkaido-ness."

With a shelf life of 270 days, it is long-lasting and ideal for souvenirs. The packaging includes a hole for hanging on a hook, making it easy to display on store shelves.

☆Judge's Comment☆

The price, size, and design are well-balanced, and its ease of handling as a souvenir was highly praised. The use of potatoes clearly conveys a sense of Hokkaido, and the combination of flavors with the dashi broth is also well-received. The easy-to-eat bite-sized pieces, crispy texture, and light, lingering deliciousness are also appealing, making it a versatile product for giveaways, everyday snacks, or as a side dish.

Regarding the product judging, in addition to judges with professional perspectives on souvenirs and tourism, students majoring in tourism from Kessen Gakuen Educational Foundation, who will lead the future of the tourism industry, participated as special selection committee members.

Selection Committee Members (Main Photo / From Left)

Kenichi Yoshida, Director and General Manager of Sales Planning, Fujiya Honten Co., Ltd.

Taku Ogasawara, President, Ogasawara Shoten Co., Ltd.

Selection Committee Chairman Hideyuki Kato, Director and General Manager of Sales, FM NORTH WAVE Inc.

Akiko Yamamoto, Representative Director, L-Eyes Co., Ltd.

Kazunori Ishimaru, Hokkaido Food Communications Project LLC

Ritsuko Itaya, Culinary Concierge, Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.

Kaori Masuda, DJ, FM NORTH WAVE Inc.

With students from Kessen Gakuen Educational Foundation (Small photo bottom right)

For more detailed information, including other "Gold Prize" winning companies, please visit the FM North Wave website.

https://www.fmnorth.co.jp/topics/1659/