Spice Innovation
2025-09-18 06:16:28

Exploring New Possibilities in Spice Innovation with House Foods and Ethical Spirits

Exploring New Spice Frontiers



In an exciting collaboration, House Foods Group and Ethical Spirits Inc. have announced the launch of a sustainable co-creation project. This initiative aims to explore the multifaceted potential of spices beyond their culinary uses, focusing on aroma, functionality, and sensory stimulation. Both companies share a commitment to innovative practices, particularly in upcycling unused materials.

The Background of Development


As the food industry increasingly seeks to recycle byproducts generated during production, the focus is now on "untapped materials". House Foods Group has long been dedicated to spice research and product development, recognizing the opportunity to harness the power of these overlooked resources. Spices offer a wealth of possibilities that extend far beyond just flavor enhancement.

House Foods Group strives to contribute to solving social issues while creating new value via effective utilization of off-spec spices. Meanwhile, Ethical Spirits has adopted the philosophy of "Starring the Hidden Gem," transforming materials like sake lees – which would have otherwise gone to waste – into craft gins.

By joining forces, the two companies aim to suggest sustainable and innovative products and services to society.

First Initiative of the Co-Creation Project


Turning previously discarded ingredients into exquisite gins, the first concrete step of this collaboration involves the introduction of House Foods' unused spices – specifically cinnamon and rosemary – into Ethical Spirits’ signature gins: ‘LAST ELEGANT’ and ‘LAST ELYSIUM’. While these spices had been used on a trial basis, they are now being integrated fully into the products, demonstrating the core of this partnership.

‘LAST’ is a craft gin derived from sake lees and is a flagship product from Ethical Spirits. For House Foods Group, spices are an irreplaceable ingredient, making this initiative a compelling representation of collaborative innovation.

Overview of Ethical Spirits' ‘LAST ELEGANT’ and ‘LAST ELYSIUM’


- Description: This gin combines the sweet and floral notes of sake lees with the spiciness of lavender and pink pepper.
- Botanicals: Juniper berries, hibiscus tea, pink pepper, coriander seeds, lavender, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, kaffir lime leaves, and Sichuan pepper.
- Alcohol Content: 47%
- Available Sizes: 200ml, 375ml, 700ml.
- Highlight: Incorporates House Foods' unused cinnamon spice.

- Description: Featuring fruity aromas from sake lees and enhanced by three types of citrus and ginger leaves, this gin provides a refreshing experience.
- Botanicals: Juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, rosemary, lemon peel, Valencia orange peel, shikuwasa, chamomile, ginger leaves, kaffir lime leaves, hops, cubeb pepper, and Sichuan pepper.
- Alcohol Content: 42%
- Available Sizes: 200ml, 375ml, 700ml.
- Highlight: Incorporates House Foods' unused rosemary spice.

The primary entity behind these products is Ethical Spirits Inc.

Future Initiatives in Co-Creation


Both companies remain committed to exploring the multifaceted value of spices. They intend to spotlight previously overlooked raw materials, ensuring that their unique qualities are not wasted but effectively utilized. Furthermore, they plan to focus on resources cultivated across various regions, fostering local revival while incorporating these ingredients.

Through such initiatives, both House Foods Group and Ethical Spirits aspire to create new products and delightful experiences.

About Ethical Spirits Inc.


  • - Founded: 2020
  • - Location: Taito-ku, Tokyo
  • - Business: This startup focuses on crafting exceptional gins by unlocking the value of untapped materials, aiming to introduce a fresh culture of craftsmanship from Kuramae, Tokyo to the world.
  • - Corporate Website: Ethical Spirits

About House Foods Group


  • - Founded: 1913
  • - Locations: Headquarters in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo & Higashi-Osaka, Osaka
  • - Business: A holding company involved primarily in the production of seasonings and processed foods for health, worldwide gastronomy, and food service industries. Their philosophy centers on connecting people through food.
  • - Corporate Website: House Foods Group


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Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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