Meiwa Corporation Launches 'Ginsai', a Purely Domestic Japanese Coffee Brand Tackling the 'Coffee 2050 Problem', at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Meiwa Corporation has developed a 'sake yeast-fermented pure domestic coffee' in collaboration with Gekkeikan Co., Ltd., which will be sold in limited quantities under the new brand 'Ginsai (GINSAI COFFEE 100% MADE IN JAPAN)' at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (Fushimi, Kyoto).

This initiative aims to create sustainable coffee production and new value by fusing Japanese cultivation techniques with traditional fermentation technology, addressing the global 'Coffee 2050 Problem' where coffee-growing areas are expected to halve due to global warming.

[Background of the Business Concept] This project originated from Meiwa Corporation's 'Intrapreneur Development Program,' which aims to explore and create new value beyond existing businesses. Started in 2023, this is the first project proposed by employees through the program.

[The Encounter of 'Pure Domestic Coffee' and 'Sake Yeast'] Cultivation of domestic coffee began last July in a greenhouse facility in Narita, Chiba. 'Ginsai' uses carefully selected coffee cherries from the Narita farm and high-quality cherries from 'Yamakou Farm.' These were fermented using Gekkeikan's sake fermentation technology and secret sake yeast, cultivated over 100 years. The sake yeast imparts a rich aroma reminiscent of Ginjo sake and a clear, clean taste to the coffee.

[Gekkeikan's Traditional Technology and Academic Recognition] Since opening its research lab in 1909, Gekkeikan has led the development of fermentation technology. On March 10 this year, they presented the research on applying sake yeast to coffee fermentation at an academic conference, where its innovation was recognized.