Hokkaido Itoko Rusk Hasukappu
GOODNEWS Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture), known for its brand "Butter's Cousin," creates confectionery and contributes to community development by transforming unused ingredients into valuable products, aiming to utilize regional resources and build a sustainable society. Since 2025, the company has operated a factory in Hokkaido, expanding its product lineup to highlight Hokkaido's ingredients and regional charm. "Hokkaido Itoko Rusk" is a sweet made by repurposing dough scraps from the production process of "Hokkaido Butter's Cousin," a Hokkaido-born brand under GOODNEWS. This treat turns every bit of ingredient into deliciousness. Starting July 1, 2026 (Wed), a new limited-edition flavor, "Hokkaido Itoko Rusk Hasukappu," featuring the refreshing tartness and fragrance of hasukappu—Hokkaido's iconic fruit—will be available exclusively at ANA FESTA stores in Hokkaido airports.
GOODNEWS and ANA FESTA
A Special Taste from the Northern Land, Celebrating "Hasukappu Day"
This new rusk combines the rich buttery flavor of "Itoko Rusk" with generous use of hasukappu, a renowned fruit of Hokkaido. The crisp, crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the fruit's refreshing acidity and fruity aroma.
◾️ The Charm of Hokkaido's Rare Fruit: Hasukappu
・ A rare fruit with limited harvest: Almost exclusively grown or found wild in Hokkaido, hasukappu is a precious fruit known for its vibrant blue-purple color and rich nutritional content. It has long been cherished in Hokkaido.
・ July 7 is "Hasukappu Day": Due to its unique characteristic of "two flowers forming one fruit," hasukappu carries the romantic flower language of "a bond of love." July 7 was designated as Hasukappu Day, inspired by the Tanabata legend, coinciding with its peak season. This makes it an ideal summer gift or personal treat, enriched with a heartfelt story.
Hasukappu
Turning "waste" into deliciousness. The addictive crunch of "Itoko Rusk"!
"Itoko Rusk" is crafted using every bit of the delicious dough from "Butter's Cousin," baked to perfection to achieve a satisfyingly crunchy texture. With its cookie-like crispness and a subtle roasted aroma, it's a treat enjoyed by both adults and children. It's perfect with coffee breaks or paired with milk or ice cream like granola. Every GOODNEWS confection embodies the philosophy of creating without waste—transforming "what might be discarded" into something valuable.
<Perfect as a souvenir: A package designed to share deliciousness and cuteness>
Designed thoughtfully as a souvenir, the packaging features six individually wrapped tetra-shaped pouches inside the box. The individual wrapping makes it ideal for daily treats or as a gift.
Key Features of the "Itoko Rusk" Packaging Design
・ An adorable illustration of "Itoko-chan" peeking out from leftover dough scraps of "Butter's Cousin"
・ A story illustrated through images, showing how dough from "Butter's Cousin" transforms into rusk
・ Each flavor's ingredients, taste, and dough color are represented through unique color schemes and illustrations
・ Charming tetra-shaped individual packaging
Hokkaido Itoko Rusk Hasukappu – Perfect with Your Coffee Break
【Product Overview】
Product Name: Hokkaido Itoko Rusk Hasukappu (6 pouches)
Price: 999 JPY (tax included)
Release Date: Gradual release starting July 1, 2026 (Wed)
Sales Locations and Release Schedule: Available at designated ANA FESTA stores in Hokkaido
・ July 1 (Wed): Chitose Lobby Store, Chitose Gate 7 Store, Chitose Gate 9 Store
・ July 3 (Fri): Hakodate Lobby Store, Asahikawa Lobby Store, Kushiro Lobby Store, Wakkanai Lobby Store
Collaboration with ANA FESTA
◾️ Shared Vision: Delivering the Essence of Local Communities
ANA FESTA, which sells regional confectionery and local specialties from airports across Japan to promote regional charm, shares a common vision with GOODNEWS, which repurposes unused ingredients into sweets and contributes to community development. The shared desire to "deliver regional charm nationwide" and "share the stories and producers' passion behind souvenirs" has led to the creation of this limited-edition product.
◾️ From Airports Where Travelers Meet, Spreading the Rich Bounty of Local Regions Across Japan
Sweets born from transforming regional challenges into stories are being shared from airports where travelers gather. As customers pick up souvenirs tied to their travel memories, the natural bounty of regional areas and the producers' heartfelt intentions circulate throughout Japan. This initiative aims to establish a new model for souvenirs—spreading regional charm nationwide, starting from airports.
◾️ The First Step Toward Nationwide Airport and Regional Collaboration
"Itoko Rusk Hasukappu" marks the first step in sharing Hokkaido's unique charm. Moving forward, GOODNEWS plans to collaborate with airports and communities across Japan, focusing on underutilized local ingredients to expand product development and community-building initiatives.
GOODNEWS Co., Ltd.
GOODNEWS Co., Ltd. focuses on its flagship brand "Butter's Cousin," creating new value from unused ingredients to promote regional resource utilization and build a sustainable society. In Nasu, the company operates an integrated facility combining factory, shop, cafe, and community spaces, advancing town development that integrates agriculture, welfare, and tourism. With the recent opening of a new factory in Hokkaido, the company is expanding its operations and considering future international expansion. Under the banner of "connecting agriculture, welfare, and tourism," GOODNEWS transforms regional challenges into stories and communicates value across Japan and the world through confectionery as a medium. The company aims to create systems where people gather in local communities, generating cycles of circulation and spreading happiness.
GOOD NEWS NASU
*Inside GOOD NEWS NASU
"GOOD NEWS" is a multifunctional complex that has attracted like-minded individuals nationwide who share the vision of "sustainable town development," coinciding with the expansion of the "Butter's Cousin" production facility. It features "GOOD NEWS FACTORY," a food production plant with employment support functions; "GOOD NEWS NEIGHBORS," a collection of environmentally conscious shops; and "GOOD NEWS DAIRY," offering delicious dairy-based products unique to Nasu, the "Dairy Kingdom." Operating in harmony with nature, surrounded by trees, the complex embodies the theme of coexistence with the forest.
【Company Overview】 Company Name: GOODNEWS Co., Ltd. Address: 2905-25 Takahuku-Otsu, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture
Sustainable Actions
Official Website:
GOOD NEWS
Official Online Shop
*Currently running a campaign: Free shipping on the online-exclusive "Itoko-chan Set"
Online-Exclusive Sets
GOOD NEWS Podcast
GOOD NEWS PODCAST
GOODNEWS launched a podcast in March 2026! Founder Goichi Miyamoto personally shares audio stories about producers behind "Butter's Cousin" and behind-the-scenes episodes of product development. Through stories from Goichi and his team, the podcast aims to help listeners rediscover "something nice" in everyday life. We invite you to tune in.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 商品発売
- Organizations: GOODNEWS / ANA FESTA