Ishii Foods to Launch Hamburg Steak Featuring 'Fresh Garlic' from Yura, Wakayama Nationwide on June 21 as Part of Regional Revitalization Project

Ishii Foods Co., Ltd., a producer of additive-free foods, is launching a new product, 'Hamburg Steak with Tomato Sauce using Fresh Garlic from Yura, Wakayama,' as part of its 'Regional and Seasonal' series that connects producers with consumers. Following a pre-launch in the Kansai area in May 2026, the product will be available at stores nationwide starting June 21.

Background and Vision of the 'Yura Garlic Project' Yura Town in Wakayama Prefecture is a garlic-producing region blessed with a warm climate and clay soil. Once boasting a peak harvest of about 350 tons annually, production has plummeted to 20-30 tons due to farmers leaving the business and an aging population. The town, with a population of about 5,000, also faces challenges of depopulation and natural disaster risks. To address this situation, producers, the town of Yura, and Ishii Foods have joined forces to launch the 'Yura Garlic Project.'

【Three Visions】 1. Create a 'Key Industry' where the entire town can profit from garlic: Foster garlic as a new key industry to revitalize the local economy. 2. Create an environment where 'children can learn' through agriculture: Provide opportunities for children to learn through farming and work in Yura in the future. 3. Use acquired resources to address 'disaster prevention and post-disaster town maintenance': Invest funds from industrial revitalization into disaster prevention infrastructure and build a strong community.

Comment from Kaori Masuda, Product Development, Osaka Sales Office While searching for seasonal ingredients in the Kansai region for the 'Regional and Seasonal' series, I discovered Yura's early-harvest 'fresh garlic.' Moved by the passion of the local community, we developed this hamburg steak to highlight the unique taste of fresh garlic. I hope this product conveys not only the deliciousness but also the story of the people and the region.

Features of the Hamburg Steak 1. The natural sweetness of 'fresh garlic,' not dried after harvest: Its high moisture content keeps the pungent components mild and brings out its high sugar content. 2. A mellow umami that changes the perception of garlic for all ages: With its suppressed pungency, it's a dish the whole family can enjoy.

Features of Yura Garlic The fresh garlic grown in Yura's clay soil is exceptionally sweet, beloved by dedicated fans for its fragrant and sweet quality.

Product Overview - Product Name: Hamburg Steak with Tomato Sauce using Fresh Garlic from Yura, Wakayama - Contents: 152g (90g solid weight) - Suggested Retail Price: 240 yen (excl. tax) - Launch Date: Pre-launch in May 2026, nationwide rollout from June 21 - Planned Sales Volume: 55,000 units