Utilization of Waka Plum Juice and Industry Shifts

Overview

Wakayama Prefecture is known as the production area for 'Nanko plums,' and fully ripe plums are highly valued as raw materials for premium salted plums and plum wine. However, recent challenges have emerged, including aging populations, unstable harvests due to abnormal weather, and a lack of successors. In response, Nakata Foods Co., Ltd. initiated the development of 'plum puree' in 2017, focusing on the value of the fruit itself following an exhibition in France. This puree has received high praise from overseas pastry chefs, challenging the traditional image of plums as 'salty' and opening possibilities for application in desserts, drinks, and other foods. In 2023, it was selected for Wakayama's souvenir confectionery development project, marking the beginning of full-scale commercialization. Utilizing off-spec fruits contributes to increasing farmers' income and reducing food loss. On the other hand, new challenges have arisen, such as rising prices of fully ripe plums due to increased demand, shortages of raw materials for salted plums, delays in automating manufacturing processes, and the lack of established room-temperature storage techniques.

Key Points

• 'Plum puree' utilizing fully ripe plums is gaining attention in overseas markets, with expanding demand as a material for desserts and beverages.
• Utilizing off-spec fruits unsuitable for salted plums helps increase farmers' income and reduce food loss.
• The surge in juice demand has led to higher prices for fully ripe plums and shortages of raw materials for salted plums, shifting the industry structure.
• Delays in automating and improving manufacturing efficiency, along with the need for concentration technology for room-temperature storage and distribution, are future challenges.
• It is expected to establish a solid position in the global market as a 'Japanese flavor' following matcha.

Points of Interest by Reader

• Manufacturers: Difficulty in securing raw materials due to increased juice demand, the need for automation and efficiency in manufacturing processes, and trends in room-temperature storage technology.
• Distributors/Retailers: High evaluation in overseas markets, potential for stable supply through off-spec fruit utilization, and sales channel expansion for new products.
• Plum Farmers: Rising prices of fully ripe plums, new revenue sources through off-spec fruit utilization, and contribution to the local economy.