Responding to Popularity in the Kanto Area and Strong Customer Demand, Sales Area Expanded: "Chill Highball Can" Limited Resale in Kanto, Kansai, and South Kyushu on August 4 (Tue)!

Regarding the "Chill Highball Can," which was launched exclusively in convenience stores (hereafter: CVS) in the Kanto area in March 2026, we will expand the sales area to Kanto, Kansai, and South Kyushu and conduct a limited resale starting August 4, 2026 (Tue).

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[Product Overview]

This is an RTD that allows you to easily experience a carbonated mix of the botanical barley shochu "CHILL GREEN spicy&citrus." Based on the "citrus aroma and sansho-like spiciness" achieved by using the spice "Mao," the alcohol content has been designed to be optimal for an RTD. You can enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste of Chill Highball at home. It pairs exceptionally well with spicy dishes such as curry, ethnic cuisine, and Chinese food, and can be enjoyed widely during and after meals.

Product Name: CHILL GREEN s&c Highball

Type: Spirits (Carbonated)

Alcohol Content: 5%

Volume: 350ml can

Ingredients: Shochu Otsu-rui (Domestic Production) / Carbonated water, Acidulant

Release Date: August 4, 2026 (Tue)

Sales Area: CVS in Kanto/Kansai/South Kyushu areas, etc.

Suggested Retail Price: 244 yen (incl. tax) / 222 yen (excl. tax)

Best Before: 12 months from date of manufacture (indicated on the bottom of the can)

◆ RTD Market Trends

According to research by the Fuji Keizai Group (*), the Japanese RTD (Ready to Drink) market size is approximately 500 billion yen and is growing steadily. Factors contributing to its strong performance include its convenience, affordability, and variety of flavors, which match modern lifestyles. Furthermore, with the recent rise in premiumization, products with higher quality and price points are increasing, and demand for sugar-free products is growing due to factors such as pairing with meals and health consciousness, leading to the continuous development of products that meet consumer needs.

*Source: Fuji Keizai Group "2026 Food Marketing Handbook No. 3"

◆ Shochu Market Trends

In recent years, the "aromatic shochu" category has been gaining attention in the shochu industry. Products centered on aroma, such as the authentic imo shochu "Daiyame ~DAIYAME~" with its lychee-like fragrance, are expanding the market as an entry point to shochu for light users. While aromatic shochu has primarily been imo shochu, the "CHILL GREEN" series of new-sense botanical barley shochu has brought a fresh perspective to the barley shochu market. It promotes carbonated mixes, which is a trend in the industry, and challenges the development of new categories.

Brand Site: https://www.hamadasyuzou.co.jp/chillgreen_brand/

◆ Background of "Chill Highball Can" Introduction

As a product that allows for easy enjoyment of a carbonated mix of "CHILL GREEN spicy&citrus," the "Chill Highball Can" was launched exclusively in CVS in the Kanto area in March 2026. Following its popularity in the Kanto area, we are expanding the sales area to Kanto, Kansai, and South Kyushu for a limited resale. In the continuously growing RTD market, we aim to acquire potential shochu users, further enhance brand recognition and drinking experience, and lead to conversions to our bottled products.

[About the CHILL GREEN Series]

The new-sense botanical barley shochu "CHILL GREEN" is based on the concept of being "a brand that accompanies moments of relaxed and individual time." Its unique "botanical" flavor and aroma have gained support from a wide range of consumers, regardless of age or gender. The first product, "CHILL GREEN spicy&citrus," uses the spice "Mao" as a raw ingredient, achieving a citrus aroma like lemongrass and a spiciness like sansho. The second product, "CHILL GREEN bitter&tropical," newly released in February 2025, uses the rare hop variety "Galaxy Hop," creating a sweet and refreshing citrus aroma like pink grapefruit and a slightly bitter taste.

We will continue to convey the appeal of authentic shochu to consumers, and with gratitude poured into every moving cup, we will strive to realize "making authentic shochu a true national liquor, and further, a world-class liquor."