Results Announced for the May 2026 'Vegetable Sommelier Summit,' a Produce Evaluation Event Aimed at Enhancing Agricultural Value!

The Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Eiji Fukui) hosts the 'Vegetable Sommelier Summit,' an evaluation event for vegetables, fruits, and processed agricultural products, aiming to further enhance the value of agricultural products and revitalize agriculture. We are pleased to announce the results of the May evaluation conducted on the 20th of this month.

May Award-Winning Items List

[Fresh Produce Category]

Highest Gold Award

- Aika Premium Otome (Aika Co., Ltd. / Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Gold Award

- Shin Tama (Suginaka Engei / Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture) - Aika Premium Takami Red (Aika Co., Ltd. / Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture) - Oyashiki Watermelon Moon Flash (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Koku Pari® (Panaplus Co., Ltd. / Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture) - Kin-iro no Minori (Suginaka Engei / Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture)

Silver Award

- Bloom Cucumber (Shinayaka Farm / Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture) - Renaissance (Tado Tomato Garden / Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture) - YAMADEN AGRI (Mini Tomato) (Yamagata Denshi Co., Ltd. / Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture) - Kanka Carrot (Farmind Co., Ltd. / Kikuyo Town, Kikuyo District, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Unzen Kurihara Green Onion (Kurihara Negi Co., Ltd. / Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture) - Oyashiki Watermelon Raou The Sweet (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Oyashiki Watermelon Black Jack (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Santama Watermelon (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Tokujo Goku Watermelon (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Yuji Tamura's Cucumber (Tamura Farm / Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture) - Snap Peas (Kazuhito Kawaichi / Sannohe Town, Aomori Prefecture) - Banba Asparagus (FARM TORETA / Obihiro City, Hokkaido) - Tree-Ripened Amanatsu (Kongo Farm / Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture) - Aika Premium Takami (Aika Co., Ltd. / Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture) - Four Seasons' Kodama Watermelon (Vege Farm Four Seasons / Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture) - Hitorijime (Tree-Ripened Finish) (Suikayasan (Fujiu) / Gunma Prefecture) - Otakara Watermelon (Takeda Farm / Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture)

[Processed Goods Category]

Gold Award

- Delicious Even with the Skin! Charcoal-Roasted Dried Sweet Potato (MUSCLE FARM NIKI / Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Silver Award

- Man's Sweet Potato (Yakiimo Marujun / Katori City, Chiba Prefecture) - Tanigawa Farm's Amber Dried Sweet Potato (Tanigawa Farm / Abira Town, Hokkaido)

[Fresh Produce Category]

<Highest Gold Award>

Aika Premium Otome (Aika Co., Ltd. / Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Serving method: Raw

Inquiries (Where to buy): http://www.aika2026.com/

[Evaluator Comments]

- 'It has solid sweetness, plenty of richness, and an umami flavor that brings happiness. It is sweet no matter where you take a bite!' - 'The powerful melon aroma fills the mouth, leaving a solid lingering finish.' - 'Consistent taste in every part, with excellent overall balance.'

[Producer's Dedication & Recommended Points]

This is 'Aika's Premium Melon,' nurtured by rich water and techniques cultivated over 40 years in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture. Skilled experts determine the best fruit through the touch of their fingertips, achieving overwhelming sugar content and a mellow aroma. It is a reliable masterpiece that promises emotion in a single bite and a luxurious time shared with loved ones.

<Gold Award>

Shin Tama (Suginaka Engei / Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture)

Serving method: Microwave heating

[Producer's Dedication & Recommended Points]

Grown with careful cultivation utilizing the power of nature and soil preparation using organic materials. Slowly grown to accumulate sweetness and umami firmly. An onion that makes you feel 'the ingredient itself is delicious.' Please taste it.

Aika Premium Takami Red (Aika Co., Ltd. / Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Serving method: Raw

[Producer's Dedication & Recommended Points]

This is 'Aika's Premium Melon,' nurtured by rich water and techniques cultivated over 40 years in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture. Skilled experts determine the best fruit through the touch of their fingertips, achieving overwhelming sugar content and a mellow aroma. It is a reliable masterpiece that promises emotion in a single bite and a luxurious time shared with loved ones.

Oyashiki Watermelon Moon Flash (Ikeda Farm / Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture)

Serving method: Raw

[Producer's Dedication & Recommended Points]

Using a custom-blended fertilizer primarily consisting of organic materials, we employ cultivation methods that bring out the watermelon's power with minimal pesticide use. Harvested at the optimal time, it boasts high sugar content, and the sweetness remains even near the rind, making it delicious until the last bite. It tastes even better when chilled in the vegetable compartment, or chilled in the refrigerator and then returned to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.