Solving Dairy Farming Issues with 'Deliciousness' - Utilizing Whey in 'Fruit Gelato' Instead of Discarding It [Yamanashi Prefecture]
KEIPE and Kiyosato Milk Plant have jointly developed a gelato that combines whey, a byproduct of cheese production, with Yamanashi fruits. It will be released on April 28, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 20:50
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 16:35
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 20:07 (147h 32m after Collected)
The nouto factory direct sales store operated by KEIPE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) and Kiyosato Milk Plant Co., Ltd., which has the only raw milk processing facility in Yamanashi Prefecture, will launch a new gelato on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The gelato effectively utilizes 'whey,' which is generated during the cheese manufacturing process and largely goes unused, combining it with peaches and strawberries from Yamanashi Prefecture.
■ Background of Development: Utilizing 'Whey,' a Lump of Nutrition That is Discarded
The nouto factory direct sales store operates under the theme of 'going beyond standards through planning,' working to create an environment where farmers can grow crops with peace of mind through the proactive use of non-standard products.
Whey is the liquid left over after removing the components that become cheese (such as milk fat and casein) from milk. During cheese production, 'whey' makes up about 90% of the raw milk, and the current reality is that it is often discarded without being utilized. Whey is rich in high-quality protein (whey protein), essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The nouto factory direct sales store and Kiyosato Milk Plant shared a common desire to 'turn this nutritious ingredient into something delicious, fun, and valuable,' leading to the joint development of the gelato.
■ Challenges Facing Japanese Dairy Farming
The number of dairy farmers in Japan has drastically decreased from about 420,000 households in 1963 (*1) to 9,960 households (*2) falling below 10,000 in October 2024. The reality is that the number of dairy farmers in Kiyosato continues to decline as well. This product aims to provide consumers with an opportunity to learn about the harsh reality of the dairy industry through 'deliciousness,' and to show that highly nutritious whey can enrich our diets and make eating fun.
*1: From 'Livestock Statistics Survey' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
*2: From a press release by the Japan Dairy Council in December 2024
■ Product Overview: Two Types of Gelato Packed with the Blessings of Yamanashi
A gelato with a refreshing aftertaste, created by combining Yamanashi Prefecture fruits and whey born from raw milk nurtured in the rich land of Kiyosato. Going forward, we will combine it with seasonal fruits to make gelato.
Series Name: 'Nora Jealousy'
- Product Names: Momomomo (Peach flavor), Ichichigo (Strawberry flavor)
- Price: Single 450 yen / Double 550 yen (tax included)
- Sales Location: nouto factory direct sales store
- Start of Sales: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (both planned to be sold year-round)
* Peach flavor: As of April 2026, made with 100% Yamanashi peach juice. From July 2026 onwards, planned to be made with 'non-standard peaches' from Yamanashi Prefecture.
* Strawberry flavor: Made with 'non-standard strawberries' from Yamanashi Prefecture.
■ Turning 'Delicious' into a 'Fun' Experience. Joint Projects Also Implemented
We have prepared mechanisms to provide gelato not just for eating, but as a memorable experience.
1. 'Maki-Maki Machine' where you can make it yourself
A dedicated gelato machine is installed in the store. Customers can experience swirling it into their own cups.
2. Highly photogenic for SNS! 'Rainbow Bagel Topping'
Customers can top a rainbow bagel with whey gelato. It is a menu unique to this collaboration that combines visual impact, fun texture, and high nutritional value.
Momo Jaguchi (Peach Faucet) Appears!
In May 2026, the nouto factory direct sales store will celebrate its 1st anniversary. To commemorate the 1st anniversary, we have prepared an anniversary project to express our gratitude to our customers from Saturday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 6.
The Momo Jaguchi, which was a hit last year, will also appear. You can pour Yamanashi peach juice from a faucet.
- Limited sale of lucky bags
- Shopping coupon gift for purchases over 5,000 yen
- All-you-can-stuff dried potatoes/fruits/vegetables
- Selling peach juice from Momo Jaguchi, and more
■ Comment from Kiyosato Milk Plant
Keisuke Isobe, Sales Planning Section Manager, Kiyosato Milk Plant (Relocated from Kanagawa Prefecture to Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture in 2023)
Sympathizing with KEIPE's (nouto) stance of taking on local challenges, I consulted them about the whey we were struggling to utilize. I wanted to deliver the blessings of Hokuto and Kiyosato, which I love so much that I decided to relocate here, in the best possible form. The gelato, developed through repeated trials, is a product I can confidently call 'delicious!'
First of all, I want people to enjoy the taste, and then learn about the background of the ingredients. To gelato lovers...
■ Background of Development: Utilizing 'Whey,' a Lump of Nutrition That is Discarded
The nouto factory direct sales store operates under the theme of 'going beyond standards through planning,' working to create an environment where farmers can grow crops with peace of mind through the proactive use of non-standard products.
Whey is the liquid left over after removing the components that become cheese (such as milk fat and casein) from milk. During cheese production, 'whey' makes up about 90% of the raw milk, and the current reality is that it is often discarded without being utilized. Whey is rich in high-quality protein (whey protein), essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The nouto factory direct sales store and Kiyosato Milk Plant shared a common desire to 'turn this nutritious ingredient into something delicious, fun, and valuable,' leading to the joint development of the gelato.
■ Challenges Facing Japanese Dairy Farming
The number of dairy farmers in Japan has drastically decreased from about 420,000 households in 1963 (*1) to 9,960 households (*2) falling below 10,000 in October 2024. The reality is that the number of dairy farmers in Kiyosato continues to decline as well. This product aims to provide consumers with an opportunity to learn about the harsh reality of the dairy industry through 'deliciousness,' and to show that highly nutritious whey can enrich our diets and make eating fun.
*1: From 'Livestock Statistics Survey' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
*2: From a press release by the Japan Dairy Council in December 2024
■ Product Overview: Two Types of Gelato Packed with the Blessings of Yamanashi
A gelato with a refreshing aftertaste, created by combining Yamanashi Prefecture fruits and whey born from raw milk nurtured in the rich land of Kiyosato. Going forward, we will combine it with seasonal fruits to make gelato.
Series Name: 'Nora Jealousy'
- Product Names: Momomomo (Peach flavor), Ichichigo (Strawberry flavor)
- Price: Single 450 yen / Double 550 yen (tax included)
- Sales Location: nouto factory direct sales store
- Start of Sales: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (both planned to be sold year-round)
* Peach flavor: As of April 2026, made with 100% Yamanashi peach juice. From July 2026 onwards, planned to be made with 'non-standard peaches' from Yamanashi Prefecture.
* Strawberry flavor: Made with 'non-standard strawberries' from Yamanashi Prefecture.
■ Turning 'Delicious' into a 'Fun' Experience. Joint Projects Also Implemented
We have prepared mechanisms to provide gelato not just for eating, but as a memorable experience.
1. 'Maki-Maki Machine' where you can make it yourself
A dedicated gelato machine is installed in the store. Customers can experience swirling it into their own cups.
2. Highly photogenic for SNS! 'Rainbow Bagel Topping'
Customers can top a rainbow bagel with whey gelato. It is a menu unique to this collaboration that combines visual impact, fun texture, and high nutritional value.
Momo Jaguchi (Peach Faucet) Appears!
In May 2026, the nouto factory direct sales store will celebrate its 1st anniversary. To commemorate the 1st anniversary, we have prepared an anniversary project to express our gratitude to our customers from Saturday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 6.
The Momo Jaguchi, which was a hit last year, will also appear. You can pour Yamanashi peach juice from a faucet.
- Limited sale of lucky bags
- Shopping coupon gift for purchases over 5,000 yen
- All-you-can-stuff dried potatoes/fruits/vegetables
- Selling peach juice from Momo Jaguchi, and more
■ Comment from Kiyosato Milk Plant
Keisuke Isobe, Sales Planning Section Manager, Kiyosato Milk Plant (Relocated from Kanagawa Prefecture to Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture in 2023)
Sympathizing with KEIPE's (nouto) stance of taking on local challenges, I consulted them about the whey we were struggling to utilize. I wanted to deliver the blessings of Hokuto and Kiyosato, which I love so much that I decided to relocate here, in the best possible form. The gelato, developed through repeated trials, is a product I can confidently call 'delicious!'
First of all, I want people to enjoy the taste, and then learn about the background of the ingredients. To gelato lovers...