To continue offering products at affordable prices, we will gradually revise the packaging specifications for some prepared noodle products.

Starting in mid-July, AEON will gradually revise the packaging specifications for some of its Topvalu prepared noodles and yakisoba. To continue offering products at prices that customers can easily choose on a daily basis, we will optimize areas that can be revised while maintaining necessary specifications, thereby minimizing the impact on prices. We will also promote product development that considers deliciousness, quality, and ease of use.

Pursuing a balance between price and value by identifying essential specifications for customers

Amidst changing environments surrounding food and daily necessities, Topvalu is working to identify essential specifications while maintaining quality, appearance, taste, and ease of use, based on customer usage patterns and product characteristics. This approach of reviewing specifications from the customer's perspective continues from our product development in 1974, when we omitted the included fork from cup noodles to achieve a lower price.

Optimizing packaging based on customer feedback

For "Large Zaru Soba," we will launch "Large Zaru Soba Noodles & Broth," omitting the broth cup, condiments, and hot water for rinsing, based on customer feedback such as "I don't use the broth cup and pour the broth directly onto the noodles," "I use condiments I already have at home," and "I don't use rinsing water." For "Sauce Yakisoba with Plenty of Ingredients," we will gradually switch from the conventional container combining a tray and lid to an integrated container with a lid. Additionally, we will revise the number of printing colors for the band that holds the zaru soba pack. Through these initiatives, we will revise the specifications for approximately 20 items in July and continue to optimize them according to product characteristics.

Specifications essential for deliciousness, quality, and appearance will be maintained

Products essential for maintaining the quality of condiments and ingredients, appearance, and deliciousness will not be changed, and optimal container specifications will be selected according to product characteristics. We will maintain quality that customers can enjoy with peace of mind.

AEON will continue to optimize product design and packaging specifications, and while valuing quality and deliciousness, we will promote product development that is considerate of both household budgets and the environment.

[Example Initiatives]

[Example Products]

Topvalu Large Zaru Soba Noodles & Broth

Standard: 1 serving (360g noodles) Broth (70g x 2)

Price: ¥398 (¥429.84 incl. tax)

Release Date: July 22 (scheduled)

(Features)

A simple set with only noodles and broth, omitting the broth cup, condiments, wasabi, and rinsing water. The noodle portion is twice the amount of regular zaru soba.

Topvalu Sauce Yakisoba with Plenty of Ingredients (Medium)

Standard: 1 serving (362g)

Price: ¥398 (¥429.84 incl. tax)

Change Date: Gradually switching to an integrated body and lid from mid-July

(Features)

A dish with plenty of ingredients and vegetables. Features chewy noodles and an aromatic original sauce.

Topvalu "Chilled Chinese Noodles with 6 Kinds of Ingredients"

Standard: 1 serving

Price: ¥398 (¥429.84 incl. tax)

Change Date: Gradually switching to a specification without an inner tray from early July

(Features)

Chilled Chinese noodles with a colorful arrangement of 6 kinds of ingredients. The chewy noodles and refreshing sour soup stimulate the appetite.

*1: [Customer-centric product development continuing from "J-Cup" which omitted the fork]

In 1974, amidst price increases for cup noodles by manufacturers, we reviewed product specifications from the customer's perspective. At that time, it was standard for cup noodles to include a fork, but customer feedback indicated that the included forks were rarely used at home. By omitting the plastic fork, which had been standard, AEON reduced costs and launched "J-Cup" at a low price of ¥85.

*2: Scheduled for switching after September 2026.

*3: Selling prices vary by store. Also, when purchased individually, the tax-included price is rounded down to the nearest yen.