Kagome Co., Ltd. has launched "Aono Mori no Mitsu," a new straight apple juice, through its mail-order service "Kagome Kenkou Chokusobin." The product went on sale on March 10, 2026 in limited quantities, with deliveries scheduled to begin around the end of April 2026 in order of reservation.
Background: Aomori Apples and the Challenge of Preservation
Aomori's apple industry boasts a history of over 150 years. In recent years, however, the region has faced mounting difficulties: unpredictable weather has caused unstable harvests, while an aging farming population and a shortage of successors threaten the continuity of production. Delivering the delicious Aomori apples that people have long taken for granted is becoming increasingly challenging.
Kagome has been committed to helping preserve and pass on the value of agricultural regions through the power of processing. The company believes that developing high-value-added products using domestic vegetables and fruits can support local producers and contribute to the vitality of the agricultural industry as a whole.
With these shared concerns in mind, farmers, JA Aoren (Aomori Prefecture Agricultural Cooperative Federation), and Kagome came together and spent approximately two years developing "Aono Mori no Mitsu."
The name "Aono Mori no Mitsu" (青の森の蜜) draws on the scenic imagery behind the name "Aomori" — said to evoke "a forest of green-blue pine trees" — and expresses the natural bounty that the land has nurtured.
Development Story: Two Years of Collaboration Crafting Exceptional Flavor
The creation of this product brought together the distinct expertise of each of the three parties involved:
- Farmers: Meticulous selection techniques, refined through years of dedication to fruit quality
- JA Aoren: A proprietary "sealed pressing" method that extracts juice in an oxygen-free environment, maximizing the authentic flavor of Aomori apples
- Kagome: Unique blending technology to achieve the ideal balance between straight juice and apple puree
Three Key Features of "Aono Mori no Mitsu"
1. Carefully Selected Aomori Fuji Apples
The "Fuji" variety — known as the "king of apples" — is prized for its well-balanced sweetness and acidity, along with its rich aroma. For "Aono Mori no Mitsu," Kagome independently selected Fuji apples from Aomori Prefecture through JA Aoren, choosing only those harvested at peak ripeness after careful assessment of color and maturity.
2. "Sealed Pressing" — Juice Extracted Without Oxygen
JA Aoren's proprietary "sealed pressing" method extracts the juice in an oxygen-free environment. This process preserves the apple's natural, full-bodied flavor and vibrant aroma, resulting in a straight juice that captures the essence of Fuji apples at their finest.
3. Smooth Apple Puree Blended In
The straight juice is generously blended with finely strained, smooth apple puree. This combination delivers a satisfying texture filled with fruit pulp, layered with a rich aroma — a drink that brings out the very best of Aomori apples.
Customer Reactions
"It has a texture like freshly grated apple — luxurious and perfect as a gift!" (Woman in her 30s)
"Rich, mellow, and beautifully sweet. It's genuinely outstanding." (Woman in her 50s)
Product Overview
| Product Name | Volume / Packaging | Price (Tax Included) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aono Mori no Mitsu | 1,000ml / 3 bottles (gift box) | ¥10,800 | Free shipping |
How to Order
The product is available exclusively through "Kagome Kenkou Chokusobin."
- Order acceptance start date: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Delivery start date: Around the end of April 2026, in order of reservation
- Online orders: https://shop.kagome.co.jp/lineup/aonomori/
- Phone orders: 0120-719-899 (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, every day except December 30 to January 3)
