Kimura Drink to Launch New Carbonated Beverage Brand “BASIQ+” Nationwide on May 18, 2026

Kimura Drink Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Hidefumi Kimura) will launch its new carbonated beverage brand “BASIQ+” nationwide in Japan on Monday, May 18, 2026. Based on the concept of “a taste you won’t tire of even if you drink it every day, and that makes you want to keep drinking,” the brand will offer six classic flavors, including cola, ginger ale, and melon soda. The lineup is designed to bring fizzy refreshment and color to everyday life. The brand is also among the first in the soft drink industry to adopt Japan’s front-of-package nutrition labeling system (FOPNL), announced by the Consumer Affairs Agency in February 2026, as part of its efforts to provide clear and easy-to-understand information. The Idea Behind “BASIQ+” Since its founding, Kimura Drink has continued to develop locally rooted products through ramune and regional cider beverages. Drawing on that experience and product development capability, the company created “BASIQ+” out of a desire to deliver carbonated drinks that fit naturally into everyday life. The brand name “BASIQ+” is a coined term combining “BASIC” and “Quality.” Rather than a reward drink for special occasions, it is a carbonated beverage that can be enjoyed in daily life without becoming tiresome. While preserving the refreshing sensation expected from carbonation, the brand pursues flavors suitable for everyday drinking. The “+” also represents evolution and continuity. Through future flavor and size expansions, the brand aims to keep growing together with Kimura Drink. BASIQ+’s Commitment to Quality Early adoption of Japan’s front-of-package nutrition labeling “BASIQ+” is among the first in the soft drink industry to adopt Japan’s front-of-package nutrition labeling system (FOPNL), for which the Consumer Affairs Agency published and recommended guidelines in February 2026 (Note 1). The front of the package displays the percentage of recommended daily intake for adults aged 18 and older, based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025 edition). The design enables consumers who are concerned about calories, watching their salt intake, or comparing ingredients before purchase to check nutrition information at a glance. Note 1: According to Kimura Drink research. Note 2: Adopted on the packaging of five products, excluding “KIMURA Cola Zero.” Manufactured at FSSC22000-certified factories supporting safety and reliability “BASIQ+” is manufactured at factories certified under FSSC22000, the international standard for food safety management systems. FSSC22000 is a globally recognized, rigorous food safety standard. Based on this standard, Kimura Drink thoroughly manages quality and hygiene from raw material receipt through manufacturing and shipment. As a brand that values “basic + quality,” BASIQ+ takes an uncompromising approach not only to taste, but also to accurate information disclosure and manufacturing quality. Product Lineup: Six Flavors to Brighten Everyday Life The BASIQ+ brand will offer six flavors suited to a wide range of occasions. KIMURA Cola: A simple, satisfying taste you naturally reach for the moment you feel thirsty. Opening the cap releases a burst of fizzy refreshment that resets small everyday stresses. KIMURA Cola Zero: A zero-calorie, zero-sugar option that frees consumers from the dilemma of wanting a cola while worrying about calories. Its guilt-free refreshment can be enjoyed day or night, making everyday life feel lighter. KIMURA Ginger Ale: A sharp, spicy kick for palates tired of sweetness. Its dry refreshment enhances meals, while the crisp finish satisfies adult tastes. KIMURA Melon Soda: A nostalgic melon soda for days when you want a small treat. Add vanilla ice cream to create an authentic melon cream soda at home. KIMURA Energy Drink: Contains maca extract and ginseng extract. Whether fighting afternoon drowsiness or pushing through late-night fatigue, it helps hardworking students and professionals find the feeling that they can keep going. KIMURA Strong Carbonated Water: A clear taste for moments when simplicity feels right. Enjoy it as is or mix it with alcohol. It is a dependable bottle that blends into everyday life. Product Overview Volume: 500 mL Suggested retail price: Open price Planned launch date: May 18, 2026 Sales channels: Direct EC shop, mail order, and retail stores inside and outside the prefecture Original Label Production Available The contents of “BASIQ+” can remain unchanged while the label is produced with an original design. It can be used for corporate promotions, event giveaways, collaboration projects, and other purposes. For details and consultations, please contact the company through the inquiry channel. About Kimura Drink Kimura Drink is a beverage manufacturer headquartered in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, producing ramune, cider beverages, and sour mixers since its founding. In recent years, it has developed many regional cider products commonly seen at tourist shops and service areas across Japan, and has produced numerous media-featured hit products such as “Curry Bread Cider” and “Unagi Cola.” The company boasts one of Japan’s top product development capabilities for bottled carbonated beverages. Kimura Drink is also actively expanding exports, shipping ramune and cider beverages to more than 30 countries. Its products are popular at many local retailers and restaurants in North America, Europe, and other markets. Company Overview Company name: Kimura Drink Co., Ltd. Head office: 2429 Miyagawa-cho, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan Representative: Representative Director Hidefumi Kimura Established: May 1953 Business: Manufacture and sale of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages Website: https://www.kimu a-d i k. et Direct EC shop: https://www.kimu a-d i k. et/shoppi g.html Media Contact for This Release Kimura Drink Co., Ltd., PR contact: Matsushita TEL: 0548-32-7555 (Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00) E-mail: p omotio @kimu a-d i k.co.jp Trial sample sets containing all six flavors are available for media and retailers upon request.