#Japan #Tokyo #FamilyMart #Ice Bar #Wakayama Mandarin

Introducing 'Melting Texture: Gyuuto Mikan'

FamilyMart, headquartered in Minato City, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of its latest ice bar, "Melting Texture: Gyuuto Mikan," featuring 67% juice from Wakayama's renowned Arida mandarins. This new product will be available from September 9, 2025, at approximately 16,300 FamilyMart stores nationwide, priced at 190 yen (tax included: 205 yen).

As part of FamilyMart's commitment to five core principles, including "Your Delight," and "Safe, Secure Food, and Kind to the Earth," this launch is a continuation of their initiative to promote local sustainability and delicious fruit production. The ice bar not only highlights the exceptional taste of Arida mandarins but also embodies the heartfelt efforts of local producers.

A Fan Favorite Returns

After the ice bar's successful debut in 2023, it has returned for its third year, delighting fans with its fruity goodness. Despite national reports of poor mandarin harvests due to harsh weather, Wakayama Prefecture has managed to sustain its position as Japan's leading mandarin producer. FamilyMart's ice bar series, utilizing domestic fruits to support sustainable production practices, is poised to refresh your summer with its deliciousness.

This year’s product maintains the same fruit juice ratio but has seen adjustments made to the balance of sweetness and acidity to ensure it is pleasant even during the lingering summer heat. The packaging prominently displays 'Kii-chan', Wakayama's PR character, to symbolize the collaboration with the local community.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Melting Texture: Gyuuto Mikan
• - Price: 190 yen (tax included: 205 yen)
• - Launch Date: September 9, 2025
• - Region: Nationwide
• - Content: The ice bar features a dual-layer structure with a rich mandarin juice layer that captures the intense sweetness and refreshing acidity typical of Arida mandarins, complemented by a melting gelato layer.

Images are for illustrative purposes only. All prices include an 8% consumption tax and may vary by region and store.

A Visit to the Heart of Mandarin Production

To gain a deeper understanding of the product's development, we visited a mandarin farm in Arita City in early July 2025. Here, we encountered terraced stone walls painstakingly built over 450 years that utilize three sources of sunlight: direct sunlight, reflection from the sea and rivers, and heat retained by the stone walls to nurture the mandarins.

During our visit, we saw the young green fruits that will eventually transform into vibrant orange delights by harvest time. A local farmer shared the challenges they faced this season: "This year has been particularly tough." With record-high temperatures and low rainfall, they dealt with potential fruit drop and sunburn scar effects. Despite these challenges, they remain focused on innovation, contemplating new varieties and ensuring high-quality produce.

In August, the "Arita and Shimotsu Area Stone Nature Terrace Mikan System" was recognized as a globally significant agricultural heritage site, highlighting the local dedication to traditional farming. As proud stewards of this tradition, the farmers articulated their aspirations: "We will definitely grow delicious fruit.”

This sentiment resonates with us as we strive to showcase the rich flavors of Arita mandarins in their best form. The continuing efforts invested in cultivating these fruits remind us of the importance of savoring their deliciousness and sharing that knowledge to support the preservation of local agriculture.

As the consumption of mandarins declines, the unique flavors of Arita mandarins drawn out in this ice bar are a crucial aspect of enjoying this seasonal fruit. Don’t miss out on the refreshing taste of the Arita mandarin ice bar, a product born from generations of passion and expertise.

About FamilyMart's Private Brand 'Famimal'

With over 1,000 offerings, FamilyMart's private brand, 'Famimal,' encompasses a diverse array of products, including processed foods, snacks, daily essentials, beverages, and kitchen-ready meals that enhance family life. The brand embodies a commitment to quality and accessibility, aiming to provide delicious and safe options for everyone, from children to seniors.

FamilyMart is dedicated to being a community-friendly convenience store, one that connects with customers like family, continually striving to become an indispensable part of their daily lives.