First in Domestic General Distribution Confectionery! (*1) New Opening Experience 'Pakitto Open™' Over 50 Prototypes Developed in 2 Years, Quality Significantly Renewed! 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' Relaunched on April 14 (Tuesday)
Key facts
- First in Domestic General Distribution Confectionery! (*1) New Opening Experience 'Pakitto Open™' Over 50 Prototypes Developed in 2 Years, Quality Significantly Renewed! 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' Relaunched on April 14 (Tuesday)
- Lotte announces the renewal launch of 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' on April 14 (Tuesday), featuring the industry's first 'Pakitto Open™' packaging for domestic general distribution confectionery and a significant quality upgrade after two years of development and over 50 prototypes.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 2, 2026
Direct answer
Lotte announces the renewal launch of 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' on April 14 (Tuesday), featuring the industry's first 'Pakitto Open™' packaging for domestic general distribution confectionery and a significant quality upgrade after two years of development and over 50 prototypes.
- Citation
- First in Domestic General Distribution Confectionery! (*1) New Opening Experience 'Pakitto Open™' Over 50 Prototypes Developed in 2 Years, Quality Significantly Renewed! 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' Relaunched on April 14 (Tuesday) (April 2, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 2, 2026
Lotte announces the renewal launch of 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' on April 14 (Tuesday), featuring the industry's first 'Pakitto Open™' packaging for domestic general distribution confectionery and a significant quality upgrade after two years of development and over 50 prototypes.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 19:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:59 (1457h 59m after Published)
Lotte Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Hideki Nakajima; hereinafter 'Lotte') will introduce and launch 'Pakitto Open™ (*2)' packaging for its 'Crunky' and 'Zakuzaku Yamitsuki Crunky' brands starting April 14, 2026 (Tuesday), as part of its commitment to delivering well-being products to customers. This new packaging allows the outer box to be easily folded and split into two from the center. This is the first initiative of its kind (*1) for confectionery in general domestic distribution.
*1: Based on our own research of publicly available information (among major domestic confectionery manufacturers for general distribution chocolate bars) as of June 17, 2025 *2: Trademark pending
Background of the Renewal
In today's society, with economic anxieties such as rising prices and the prevalence of social media, people experience stress in various situations. In such times, Crunky is enjoyed for its 'pleasant crunchy texture' and 'sweetness of chocolate' in moments of irritation or frustration. Lotte has researched the opening experience of confectionery packaging, with the developers' hope that by making that momentary action even more exhilarating, the accumulated frustrations of busy daily life might be alleviated, even if just a little. Especially during the new spring season, with unfamiliar work environments and human relationships, Crunky's rhythmic crunch and sweet combination aim to help people naturally shift to a more positive mindset when facing stressful situations.
Lotte will continue to promote various initiatives aimed at a well-being society, including improving usability and researching packaging that resonates with diverse sensibilities.
Features of the New Opening Experience 'Pakitto Open™'
With traditional opening methods, fine debris could be produced, and it was difficult to share with others. With this new specification, by simply folding the box in the middle, the package can be opened lightly, and by separating it from the front to the left and right, it can be divided into two identical halves. This opening method is also suitable for happily sharing chocolate bars with others.
When comparing this new specification with the traditional back-opening method for the sensation of exhilaration (*3) upon opening, this specification showed significantly higher values in the exhilaration category. Since the traditional opening on the back is still available, consumers can still enjoy eating a whole bar by themselves, or use the 2-way opening to suit various eating occasions with this new package.
*3: Exhilaration refers to feeling refreshed when opened
Sensory Evaluation of Exhilaration upon Opening the Package
Lotte survey (n=31)
Thorough Pursuit of Openability through Analysis of Opening Actions with Tactile Sensors
By comparing opening actions using tactile sensors, it was found that this new specification allows for opening in fewer steps compared to back-opening, leading to a reduction in time from opening to consumption. This opening method is also suitable for when you want to eat immediately.
Force during Package Opening using Tactile Sensors
Lotte survey (n=30), below are representative data
Enhanced Crunchy Texture by Changing Starch Type and Processing Method!
We created multiple types of malt puffs using different starch types and processing methods, and mapped their textures. We focused on directions where the crunchy texture would last longer than the current product within the mapping, thereby enhancing the texture.
Furthermore, by adjusting how starch absorbs moisture, we further improved the crunchy sensation and adjusted it to surpass the current product in terms of texture preference and continuous eating appeal.
■Puff Texture Preference
Survey of 20-60 year olds CLT survey N=64
■Comments from Research and Brand Managers
Central Research Institute, Research Information Strategy Department, Packaging Research Section
Mitsuko Ogaki, Haruna Korenaga, Akane Motomura, Nobuo Fujiwara
We wanted customers to feel the joy and comfort of confectionery not only at the moment of eating but also at the moment of opening the package. This thought was the starting point for the development of this package. We iterated through over 120 types of drawings, and finally completed a specification that allows for a refreshing fold-open. The opening action is momentary, but it is a crucial point that determines the first impression. We hope that this product, created by thoroughly pursuing that moment through tactile sensor analysis and other methods, will help alleviate the frustrations accumulated in busy daily life and lead to a slightly more positive feeling. Please try our carefully crafted opening experience.
Central Research Institute, Chocolate & Biscuit Research Department, Chocolate Research Section 1
Ai Ogawa, Yuna Nakayama, Saiko Nagahara
We wanted to pursue the deliciousness that comes from the puffs and convey it to our customers. With this single-minded determination, we undertook this renewal. We prototyped over 50 types of puffs over approximately two years and found the puff that offers the most pleasant crunchy texture, lasts long, and pairs well with chocolate. We also refined the chocolate to have an initial crisp texture, a satisfying richness, and a clean finish that makes you want another bite. We hope that our dedicated work will clear away your frustrations and inspire your next step. Please try our masterpiece.
Marketing Division 1st Brand Strategy Department, Chocolate Planning Section
Yusuke Higuchi
The new spring season is a time when people can unknowingly accumulate stress due to unfamiliar work environments and human relationships. At such times, we want Crunky's rhythmic crunch and sweet combination to blow away the frustrations in your heart. In this renewal, which took approximately two years, we thoroughly focused not only on the taste but also on the comfort of the moment you open the package. We hope that Crunky can be a companion in your daily life, helping you naturally shift to a positive mindset with just one bite. Please experience our two years of dedication firsthand.
【Crunky Quality and Packaging Improvement Points】
・Newly created malt puffs using starches with different raw materials and processing methods, improving the brand's core value of 'crunchy texture' to be stronger and last longer.
・Changed the somewhat dark yellow and brown background colors to orange, resulting in a brighter design.
FAQ
What is 'Pakitto Open™'?
It's a new opening method for confectionery, the first of its kind in Japan's general distribution, allowing the box to be easily folded and split into two from the center. It reduces mess and facilitates sharing.
Why was this renewal undertaken?
Amidst modern societal stress and rising prices, the aim is to promote well-being by offering a pleasant texture and sweetness for a mood change, and by making the opening experience more refreshing.
What changes were made in the quality renewal?
The type and processing method of starch were changed to enhance the crispy texture. The sustainability of the texture and its compatibility with chocolate have also been improved.