Sanko Seika Launches Seasonal Energy Ramune "UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor"

Sanko Seika Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Niigata City), aiming to be a comprehensive "Food and Health" company, has entered the "Ramune" candy category for the first time. As the second seasonal product in the "UPROCK" series, which began test sales in September 2025, the company will launch "UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor," a multi-functional energy Ramune specializing in summer salt replenishment, across Japan for a limited time from May 26, 2026, to the end of August 2026.

## Entering a New Market with "Ramune" from a Rice Cracker Manufacturer
Based on the corporate philosophy "Delivering moments of happiness to as many people as possible" and the slogan "Make Wow Moments," the company challenged itself to enter the Ramune category, a market it had not previously engaged with, to deliver new value to customers.

During the test sales of the "UPROCK" series (Energy Drink flavor and Soda flavor) starting in September 2025, the product gained significant traction, especially on social media (X), with nearly 10 million impressions due to its blend of glucose and caffeine and its design that resonated with the target demographic. The product sold out within just three business days at the official online shop, exceeding expectations.

## Product Development Addressing New Summer Needs
The newly released "UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor" addresses the seasonal need for salt replenishment in summer. While conventional salt-replenishment candies are mainly supported by female consumers, the company focused on the fact that "concentration"-oriented products, such as energy drinks, have a higher purchase ratio among men. The UPROCK series was planned and developed for young men, offering a new perspective on Ramune products focused on "concentration."

## Product Features: "UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor"
"UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor" features a multi-ingredient blend, making it more than just a salt-replenishment product, suitable for various scenes in summer.

In addition to minerals essential for salt replenishment, it contains glucose, caffeine, citric acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B1. It also contains rice-derived protein, making it recommended for a quick refresh during study or sports.

### [Ingredients]
- Glucose (over 70% content)
- Caffeine (49mg/bag)
- Citric Acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1
- Magnesium
- Rice-derived protein
- Sodium/Potassium

### ★ About Rice-derived Protein
Rice-derived protein was adopted so that customers can consume protein without worrying about allergens such as milk or soy commonly found in whey or soy protein, and to avoid the unique scents of those ingredients.

### ★ Origin of the Name "Summer Gang Pine Flavor"
The flavor is designed not just as a refreshing summer pineapple, but as an "energetic" flavor. The name "Summer Gang Pine" represents the punchy, impactful pineapple flavor that hits the spot when you need to focus or refresh during critical moments.

## [Product Information]
- Product Name: UPROCK + Salt: Summer Gang Pine Flavor
- Content: 30.5g
- Price: Open Price (Reference: 246 JPY including tax)
- Launch Date: May 26, 2026 (Pre-sale at 7-Eleven); June 8, 2026 (Supermarkets/Drugstores)
- Sales Area: Nationwide