World's Best Gelato Artisan Certified - Daizo Shibata Supervision: Two Limited Edition Menus Using California Prunes Now Available

The California Prune Board is pleased to announce that MALGA GELATO, a gelato specialty shop with locations in Nonoichi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Noto Town, will launch two new products using California prunes: "California Prune Sorbet" and "California Prune Yogurt," for a limited time starting July 1, 2026 (Wed.). The two products will be rolled out sequentially in two phases: the first and second installments.

California prunes are characterized by their natural sweetness without added sugar and their rich flavor. They are highly valued for their balanced nutritional content, including dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. In recent years, the versatility of California prunes has been particularly recognized, with strong interest from the confectionery and bakery industries regarding the added value and taste benefits they bring to menus.

This collaboration introduces two limited-edition menus for enjoyment this summer. The two products using California prunes are a "Sorbet" that allows you to directly enjoy the pure taste of the ingredient, and a "Yogurt" characterized by its mellow acidity and texture. These are perfect summer flavors that maximize the natural sweetness and subtle tartness unique to prunes.

Overview of Products Using California Prunes

California Prune Sorbet

MALGA LAB Nonoichi Store

Sales Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed.) - July 31, 2026 (Fri.)

Noto Main Store

Sales Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed.) - July 14, 2026 (Tue.)

A rich sorbet that allows you to directly enjoy the taste of California prunes. You can fully savor the deep sweetness and the rich, soft, sticky texture derived from the fruit. The use of red perilla creates a vibrant color, and the scent of lemon provides a refreshing aftertaste. The refreshing tartness of the prunes is also utilized, resulting in a profound flavor that is not too sweet and makes you want to have it again.

California Prune Yogurt

MALGA LAB Nonoichi Store Sales Period: August 1, 2026 (Sat.) - August 31, 2026 (Mon.)

Noto Main Store

Sales Period: August 1, 2026 (Sat.) - August 14, 2026 (Fri.)

By layering the distinct tartness of prunes and yogurt, a deep flavor has been created. The addition of crushed prunes as an accent provides a pleasant chewiness and sticky texture with every bite, allowing you to enjoy the changing flavors. It is a refreshing and summery item with an elegant lingering aftertaste.

[Comment from Daizo Shibata]

I feel that California prunes have a natural sweetness, gentle acidity, and a deep flavor derived from the fruit, even without added sugar. I also believe they are an ingredient with various possibilities depending on how they are combined and expressed.

In this development, I directly expressed their inherent characteristics. In the "Sorbet," I simply brought out the rich flavor of the prunes, and in the "Yogurt," by combining them with dairy products, I added depth to the acidity and richness. In both cases, you can enjoy a pleasant lingering aftertaste.

Gelato Maestro Daizo Shibata

Born in Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1975. After graduating from Tokyo University of Agriculture, he worked in his family's dairy business. In 2000, he opened "Malga Gelato Noto Main Store," a direct-from-the-farm gelato shop, in his hometown of Noto Town.

He won the "Gelato Maestro Contest" in 2015, becoming the number one in Japan. In 2016, he was appointed the first Asian World Gelato Ambassador and won the World Champion title as the first Asian in 2017. Since then, he has received numerous awards in international competitions, primarily in Italy.

In the 2018 Gelato World Cup, he served as captain of the Japanese national team and achieved high rankings in both team and individual categories. In 2023, he was awarded the title of "World's Best Gelato Artisan" by FIPGC, an officially recognized organization in Italy, and the Italian Gelato Association, receiving high international acclaim. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Japan Gelato Association, working to promote gelato both domestically and internationally.

MALGA GELATO

Official Website: http://malgagelato.com

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malga_noto/

MALGA LAB Nonoichi Store

Address: 6-370 Honmachi, Nonoichi City, Ishikawa Prefecture

OPEN: 11:00-17:00

Closed: None

Noto Main Store

Address: 163-1 Mizuho, Noto Town, Hazu District, Ishikawa Prefecture

OPEN: 11:00-17:00

Closed: Every Wednesday

About the California Prune Board

The California Prune Board was established in 1980 under the authority of the California Department of Food and Agriculture as an organization representing growers and processors. In California, the world's largest producing region, premium prunes are cultivated in orchards spread across the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. The Board leads the market with its philosophy of "lifelong health through California prunes," strict standards for food safety and sustainability, and cultivation techniques and knowledge passed down through generations. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

California Prune Board Japan Official Website: https://www.prune.jp/

Official X Account: https://x.com/prune_fan?lang=ja

Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/californiaprunejp/

Official Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/prunefan/?locale=ja_JP

Contact Information

For inquiries and questions regarding distribution, please contact the representative of Japan HRI.

CPBjapan@klt.co.jp

We welcome your opinions and requests regarding this release/newsletter. For other latest information, please visit the official Japanese website below.

California Prune Board Japan Official Website: https://www.prune.jp/