[Shima Mediterranean Village] Turning out-of-spec strawberries into 'delicious value.' Born from high school students' idea, a 'Pink Dressing' using Mie strawberries.

Shima Mediterranean Village (headquartered in Shima City, Mie Prefecture; President: Akira Onishi), a group company of IX Holdings Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Ise City, Mie Prefecture), is launching a new strawberry dressing as part of its 'Ise Shima no Gozzo Dressing' series, utilizing strawberries grown in Mie Prefecture. This product focuses on 'out-of-spec' strawberries that are difficult to sell in the market due to their shape or harvest timing. It features the sweet and sour taste, fruity aroma, and gentle pink color unique to Mie strawberries. Simply pouring it over a salad creates a visually vibrant and flavorful dish. The original concept for this product was born from a project by students of the Commercial Department at Uji-Yamada Commercial High School. Shima Mediterranean Village took over the idea, which was conceived with the desire to turn 'waste' into 'new value.' The company handled product design, improvement, and distribution channel construction, achieving commercialization through collaboration with a local food manufacturing company. This initiative was implemented as part of the 'Creation of Green Job Market based on Gastronomic Geopolitics' program (COI-NEXT), a JST program for supporting the formation of co-creation spaces, in which Tohoku University participates. It serves as an example of product development through cooperation between education and local industry. ■ Product Features 1. Original sweet and sour taste and aroma of strawberries The fruity and refreshing flavor enhances the deliciousness of vegetables. 2. Natural pink color to brighten the table The gentle hue derived from strawberries adds a vibrant touch to salads and dishes. 3. Authentic taste with a gap from its appearance Despite the sweet impression, it is designed as a well-balanced dressing. ■ Commercialization through Local Cooperation Manufacturing is handled by Izuya Co., Ltd., a food manufacturing company in Shima City. Through the system of 'growing locally, making locally, and delivering locally,' value circulation within the region is realized. ■ Student Comments (at the time of planning) - Sana Ikeyama: 'The sweet and sour taste of the strawberries was refreshing, and the salad became vibrant. I aimed for a taste that even people who dislike vegetables can enjoy.' - Miyu Okai: 'I made a cute-looking dressing by utilizing out-of-spec strawberries. I would be happy if many people pick it up.' [Product Overview] Product Name: Ise Shima no Gozzo Dressing (Strawberry) Volume: 200ml Price: 1,200 JPY (including tax) Distributor: Shima Mediterranean Village Co., Ltd. Manufacturer: Izuya Co., Ltd. (Shima City) Sales Locations: Shop inside Shima Mediterranean Village, tourist facilities in the Ise Shima area, etc. Inquiry: Shima Mediterranean Village Co., Ltd. 0599-52-1226 (Yaguchi/Tatehashi) Shima Mediterranean Village is a resort facility surrounded by the great nature of Ago Bay, known for its beautiful rias coastline. The village, designed to resemble the Mediterranean coast such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, features buildings with white walls and red tiles, allowing visitors to enjoy an extraordinary experience as if they were traveling abroad. Inside the village, we provide various craft experiences, gourmet food using local ingredients, and accommodation where you can fully enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. You can experience a resort life unique to this place, where the charms of Japan and the Mediterranean merge. Shima Mediterranean Village Co., Ltd. Location: 2619-1 Hazako, Hamajima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture 517-0403 URL: https://www.puebloamigo.jp/ [Company Overview] IX Holdings Co., Ltd. Location: 1306 Aiai, Obata-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 519-0502 URL: https://ix-holdings.jp/