July 14 Launch: 'Orion WATTA Acerola & Shiikwasa'!

AEON will begin selling a new product, 'Orion WATTA Acerola & Shiikwasa,' made with acerola and shiikwasa juice from Motobu Town, on a limited-quantity basis starting July 14 (Tuesday) exclusively at AEON Ryukyu and AEON Group stores※1, as part of its 'Food Artisan (Shokunoshokunin)' initiative.

Based on a comprehensive partnership agreement signed with Okinawa Prefecture in 2011 to revitalize the local economy, AEON launched the 'Motobu Town Acerola Fruit Sales Research Association' in 2012 together with Motobu Town and local producers as part of its Food Artisan (Shokunoshokunin) initiative. Since then, AEON has been actively planning and developing products using acerola juice, aiming to establish them as a pillar of regional revitalization through promotion that highlights acerola's unique characteristics.

This new product marks the 10th anniversary of commercializing products using Motobu-grown acerola. In collaboration with Orion Breweries Co., Ltd., a representative Okinawan company, AEON has blended acerola with shiikwasa juice produced by Motobu Wellness Foods Co., Ltd., creating a refreshing local specialty drink perfect for summer. The sweet-tart berry flavor of acerola combines with the bright, citrusy freshness of shiikwasa, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste that captures the bounty of Motobu Town, Okinawa.

AEON will continue working hand-in-hand with local producers and government authorities to promote unique regional food cultures across Japan, contributing to the revitalization and development of local economies.

Features of 'Orion WATTA Acerola & Shiikwasa'

Acerola grown under the brilliant sun of Motobu Town, Okinawa, is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and known for its refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Each fruit is carefully hand-picked to maintain freshness. Shiikwasa from Motobu Town is juiced immediately after harvest to preserve its authentic taste. This drink packs the tangy flavor of acerola and the refreshing taste of shiikwasa into one bottle. It's not overly sweet, with a crisp, refreshing flavor perfect for summer.

Sales Overview of 'Orion WATTA Acerola & Shiikwasa'

Release Date: Sequentially from July 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

Available Stores: Approximately 4,700 stores nationwide, including 'AEON,' 'AEON Style,' and 'MaxValu'※1

Price: Within Okinawa Prefecture: 350ml, ¥148 (¥162.80 including tax)

Outside Okinawa Prefecture: 350ml, ¥178 (¥195.80 including tax)※2

Product Category: Liqueur (carbonated)

Alcohol Content: 4%

Sales Volume: 11,000 cases

<Reference> About AEON's 'Food Artisan (Shokunoshokunin)' Initiative

Responding to customer requests to 'help preserve regional food cultures,' AEON has been conducting this initiative since 2001. Working with producers who continue to preserve local flavors across Japan, and with support from local governments and academic research institutions, AEON is committed to passing down Japan's excellent food culture. As of July 2026, the Food Artisan initiative is active in 41 product categories across 1 prefecture, 1 urban prefecture, and 28 other prefectures. For acerola, a council was established in 2012 as part of the 18-product Food Artisan initiative.

※For more details on the 'Food Artisan (Shokunoshokunin)' initiative, please visit the website (http://www.foodartisan.jp/).

About Motobu Town, Okinawa-produced Acerola

Acerola was first introduced to Japan in Okinawa in 1958 and has since been cultivated as a specialty product of Motobu Town. The town features a mix of acidic and weakly alkaline soils and, unusually for Okinawa, experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, making it ideal for fruit cultivation. Acerola is primarily grown in open fields on well-drained slopes in Motobu Town. Currently, about 16 producers carefully cultivate the fruit, performing regular pruning to ensure the plants receive ample sunlight.

※1: Some stores may not carry the product. In AEON Ryukyu, it will be available at 60 stores, including AEON, AEON Style, MaxValu, The Big, and AEON Drug.

※2: Prices may vary by store and region.