Calbee is teaming up again with the Towada Oirase Agricultural Cooperative (JA Towada Oirase) to bring back "Aomori Potato Chips Dashi Shio Flavor," a snack that highlights the flavor of Aomori-grown potatoes with a kombu dashi seasoning. The product goes on sale in limited quantities from August 24, 2026 (Monday) across Tohoku's six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima.
Background
Calbee entered the potato chip market in 1975 with the original version of what became its "Usushio" (Lightly Salted) flavor. In 1980, the company established its group subsidiary Calbee Potato to secure a stable supply of the potatoes used in its chips. For more than 40 years, Calbee Potato has worked hand in hand with growers under contract farming agreements, from soil preparation through to cultivating potatoes suited for chip-making. The harvest season begins in Kyushu in May, and the "potato harvest front" gradually moves north, reaching its peak in the major growing region of Hokkaido between August and October. As part of an effort to diversify its supply base and secure a more stable potato supply, the Calbee Group has been expanding cultivation area and procurement volume in prefectures beyond Hokkaido, with the Tohoku region standing out as one of the key growing areas in this push.
As part of this effort, JA Towada Oirase, Calbee, and Calbee Potato jointly developed "Aomori Potato Chips Towada Garlic Flavor" in August 2023, releasing it in limited quantities exclusively in the Tohoku region to help expand Aomori potato cultivation and promote local production for local consumption. The following year, in 2024, the group released a limited quantity of "Aomori Potato Chips Dashi Shio Flavor," which continued into 2025. Having received positive feedback from both customers and growers, the product returns again this year with a renewed package.
Product Features
"Aomori Potato Chips Dashi Shio Flavor" further brings out the delicious taste of the potatoes, for a flavor you won't get tired of.
The package now features photos of the potato growers of Yokohama Town, Aomori, reinforcing the message that the chips are made with Aomori-grown potatoes. A new "Triumphant Return" logo has also been added, giving the design a fresh look that conveys both the flavor of Aomori potatoes and the growers' dedication. The back of the package now also introduces Yokohama Town's famous canola flower fields, deepening the product's connection to the local area.
Message from a Grower in Yokohama Town, Aomori
For 40 years, we've been growing potatoes under contract with Calbee Potato here in Yokohama Town, Aomori, and our potato farming keeps getting better every year. The cool winds here create a big difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which gives the potatoes a rich, full flavor. We hope everyone enjoys the potatoes grown right here in Yokohama Town.
Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aomori Potato Chips Dashi Shio Flavor |
| Contents / Price | 55g / Open price (approx. ¥170 including tax) |
| Release Date | August 24, 2026 (Monday) |
| Sales Area | Tohoku's six prefectures (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima), including the farmers market "Kadaare" and other retailers |
Actual release dates may vary slightly by retailer. Availability may differ by store, and the product may sell out before the season ends.
