Calbee Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Makoto Egara) has announced the launch of a new limited-time menu item, 'Oimo Sanmai Kakigori' (Sweet Potato Medley Shaved Ice), at cafe locations of its matured sweet potato specialty store, 'Kuradashi Yakiimo Kaitsuka,' starting June 17, 2026.

### Development Background While shaved ice has become a summer staple in Japan due to increasing heatwaves, sweet potatoes are still strongly associated with autumn and winter. To change this perception, Kaitsuka developed a menu that combines the popularity of shaved ice with the rich flavor of matured sweet potatoes. The development focused on a melt-in-your-mouth ice texture that complements their signature sweet potato flavors.

### Product Features Featuring the popular 'Benitenshi' brand potato known for its moist texture and intense sweetness, the dessert is topped with roasted sweet potato chunks and a rich paste made from whole potatoes, including the skin. The fluffy ice is paired with a specially crafted sweet potato milk sauce.

### Product Details - **Product Name:** Oimo Sanmai Kakigori - **Price:** 1,200 JPY (including tax) - **Release Date:** June 17, 2026 (Limited time) - **Available Stores:** Kasumigaura Main Store, Nagareyama Otakanomori Store, Tsukuba Store, and AEON Mall Tsuchiura Store.

### Cafe Menu Renewal Starting June 3, 2026, the cafe will also renew seven of its popular items using an improved sweet potato paste that includes the skin to enhance aroma and sweetness. - **Target Items:** Benitenshi Sweet Potato Crepe, Benitenshi Mont Blanc Soft Serve, Sofu-imo, Sweet Potato Latte, and others (7 items total). - **Highlights:** The 'Benitenshi Sweet Potato Latte' has been particularly enhanced, with 80% of survey respondents noting a more authentic sweet potato flavor compared to the previous version.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product