On July 1st, 2021, Wakashio Distillery Co., Ltd. 若潮酒造株式会社, based in Shibushi City, Kagoshima, launched "F Spirits - Strawberry & Cardamom" using local strawberries which would have otherwise been discarded due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

A new shochu created thanks to community connections

The idea for this fruity new shochu product started with a study session on SDGs organized by Shibushi City. Due to the effects of the novel coronavirus, local restaurants struggling with fewer diners cut down on their purchases of Shibushi strawberries, which resulted in a significant portion of perfectly good strawberries being discarded for lack of demand.

In the hope of reducing food waste and revitalizing business affected by the pandemic, Wakashio Distillery collaborated with a local strawberry farm in Shibushi City to develop a potato shochu that would also "save" these strawberries which would otherwise have been wasted.

Thinking about SDGs

Among the 17 sustainable development goals established by the United Nations, reducing food loss and food waste contributes to goal No. 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production" and cooperation among local businesses contributes to goal No. 17, "Partnerships to achieve the Goal."

For the first time in the company's history, Wakashio Distillery asked a female employee who had been with the company for three years to spearhead a product development project. Shochu is seen in Japan as a drink more favored by men, but by developing the product from a woman's perspective, they "were able to create a new alcoholic beverage that can be enjoyed by everyone, even people who do not usually drink shochu." Thus, according to their press release, they also made strides towards achieving goals No.5 "Gender Equality" and No.8 "Decent Work and Economic Growth."

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F Spirits: Strawberry & Cardamom

This is a spirit made by macerating strawberries in potato shochu and adding cardamom as an accent. In order to bring out the sweetness of the strawberries, Wakashio Distillery uses potato shochu with a fruity aroma and clean taste together with wine yeast.

To bring out the natural sweetness and color of strawberries, no sugars, coloring agents, or preservatives are added. You'll be able to appreciate the soothing comfort of strawberries and enjoy the natural color of the spirit as it changes over time.

Recommended for shochu beginners: club soda cocktail

The alcohol content of "F Spirits: Strawberries & Cardamom" is relatively low at 30%, so even those who don't like alcohol can enjoy it with club soda. Adding a little salt will further enhance the strawberries' natural sweetness. If you enjoy stronger drinks, you can also drink it on the rocks.

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Product information

• Product name: Fスピリッツ -ストロベリー＆カルダモン- ("F Spirits - Strawberry & Cardamom)
• Ingredients: potato shochu, strawberries (from Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture), cardamom
• Alcohol content: 30%
• Volume: 1800 mL (large) / 720 mL (regular)
• Price: 3,410 JPY (large) / 1,650 yen (regular), including tax
• Wakashio Distillery online store