Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Asahi Beverages America, Inc., headquartered in Torrance, California, is the U.S. beverage distribution arm of the global Asahi Group. Specializing in iconic Japanese non-alcoholic beverages, the company is widely recognized for introducing and expanding the reach of CALPICO®, JUROKU CHA, and MITSUYA CIDER across the North American market. With a strong focus on heritage, health, and innovation, Asahi Beverages America bridges East and West through its culturally rooted and globally appealing product lines.

Brief History

Asahi Beverages America was established to serve as the North American gateway for Asahi Group Holdings, one of Japan’s largest and most respected food and beverage conglomerates. With origins dating back to 1889, Asahi’s U.S. entity was strategically positioned in California due to its large Asian-American consumer base and proximity to Pacific shipping routes. Under the leadership of Keiji Matsumoto, the company has expanded from niche Asian retail into mainstream American supermarkets, health stores, and online platforms.

Core Business

Asahi Beverages America focuses on:

• Importing, marketing, and distributing iconic Japanese beverage brands
• Expanding distribution of CALPICO®, JUROKU CHA, and MITSUYA CIDER
• Building cultural awareness and brand loyalty in North America
• Aligning product innovation with U.S. consumer trends (e.g., low-sugar, functional beverages)

The company’s operations include direct sales partnerships, distribution networks, and digital retail strategy.

Product and Service Offerings

• CALPICO® Ready-to-Drink

  • Original Citrus, Mango, White Peach, Strawberry, Lychee
  • A non-carbonated beverage with a milky, lightly acidic profile made from fermented skim milk

• CALPICO® Concentrate

  • Versatile concentrated syrup for custom mixing, blending, and foodservice use

• CALPICO® Mini

  • Compact bottle format in select flavors including Lychee & Mango for kids and on-the-go consumers

• CALPICO® Soda

  • Carbonated variant of the classic drink for those seeking fizz and refreshment

• JUROKU CHA

  • A traditional Japanese tea blend made from 16 natural ingredients like barley, jujube, mulberry leaf, and ginger

• MITSUYA CIDER

  • A clear, sweet, and mildly carbonated soft drink with a signature Japanese taste

These beverages cater to both nostalgic customers and health-conscious consumers looking for low-caffeine, non-alcoholic options with international flair.

Specialization and Core USP

• Authentic Japanese Beverage Heritage – Directly imported and packaged under strict brand guidelines from Japan
• Cultural Fusion – Offers East Asian beverage innovation in a format appealing to U.S. taste preferences
• Multi-Channel Distribution – Presence in Asian specialty markets, mainstream retailers (e.g., Walmart, H Mart), and e-commerce platforms like Amazon
• Diverse Product Formats – From RTDs to concentrates and mini bottles catering to different consumption occasions

CALPICO®, the brand’s flagship product, is particularly celebrated for its unique texture and cult following among Asian-American and global fusion consumers.

Financials

Asahi Beverages America is part of Asahi Group Holdings, which reported:

• Global revenue: ¥2.5 trillion ($16.5 billion USD) in FY2023
• CALPICO® sales in the U.S. alone have grown at a 15–18% CAGR over the past 5 years
• Retail placement expanded to over 7,000 stores in North America
• Key growth through cross-category consumption (i.e., CALPICO used as smoothie base, cocktail mixer)

The U.S. division contributes to a larger strategy of globalization and functional beverage expansion within Asahi’s beverage portfolio.

Shipment Data

Based on logistics and distribution intelligence:

• Primary import operations through Port of Los Angeles
• Fulfillment warehouses based in Southern California
• Nationwide distribution through UNFI, KeHE, and direct DSD networks
• Monthly volume exceeding 500,000 bottles across all SKUs

Shipping partners ensure compliance with U.S. FDA and customs standards for beverages.

Target Market

• Asian-American communities and international consumers
• Health-focused beverage buyers (low sugar, probiotic interest)
• Specialty food retailers and tea/juice café chains
• Younger Gen Z and millennial consumers exploring global flavors
• Mixologists and foodservice operators using CALPICO® as a base

Its audience values authenticity, uniqueness, and light, digestible refreshment alternatives to soda and energy drinks.

Capabilities

• Import compliance and regulatory management (FDA, USDA)
• Cold chain and ambient logistics management
• Brand merchandising and POS marketing support
• B2B product education and recipe development
• Market trend analysis and seasonal SKU planning

Certifications and Compliance Records

• FDA-compliant packaging and ingredient labeling
• California Prop 65 labeling adherence where applicable
• Allergen information disclosure (dairy content in CALPICO®)
• Global food safety and hygiene certifications from parent company plants in Japan

Customer Testimonials

"CALPICO® is the one drink I always keep in my fridge. It reminds me of childhood summers in Tokyo." — Verified Amazon Buyer

"As a café owner, CALPICO® Concentrate has become our best-selling mix for bubble tea and fruit blends. Customers love its creamy tang." — Beverage Consultant, Los Angeles

Major Achievements

• CALPICO® voted Best New Beverage at Expo West (international category)
• Partnership with H Mart and Mitsuwa for national retail rollout
• Over 10 million bottles sold in North America since entry
• Expanded digital presence via TikTok, Instagram influencers, and YouTube tutorials
• Introduced limited-edition seasonal flavors in 2023, including Yuzu and Matcha variants