#Japan #Okayama #Pione #Okayama Grapes #Acure Made

JR East and JR West Launch New Sparkling Beverage

On August 26, 2025, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and West Japan Railway Company (JR West) will unveil a delightful new beverage called "Pione Soda." This effervescent drink is made using the juice from the esteemed Pione grapes sourced from Okayama Prefecture. This release marks the second product in the collaboration between the two rail companies under the brands "acure made" and "curico."

Product Overview

Pione Soda features 3% Pione grape juice, providing a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, finished off with a refreshing aftertaste. Packaged in a convenient 265ml PET bottle, it is ideal for a quick, delightful drink. With a retail price set at 150 yen (tax included), it promises to be an enjoyable experience for those on the go.

Customers can find Pione Soda in various locations, including:

• - Automatic vending machines in JR East station areas, particularly those branded "acure."
• - Online through JR East's ec.shop (https://ec.shop.acure-fun.net/Shop.jsp).
• - Retail outlets such as "NewDays" and "NewDays KIOSK" (some exclusions apply) within the JR East area.
• - Automatic vending machines in JR West's areas featuring the "curico" branding.

This sparkling beverage is scheduled to be available from August 26, with vending machines gradually rolled out.

For more information, visit the product page here.

Previous Collaboration Success

The launch of Pione Soda follows the successful debut of the first collaborative product, "Sukkiri Pear," back in August 2024. Utilizing Tottori Prefecture's 20th Century Pears, this product was introduced as part of the theme "Delivering the Charms of Western Japan Together". The innovative beverage quickly gained popularity, selling out faster than anticipated due to positive reception from customers. Building on this success, the two companies are excited to bring forth the second product, ensuring it continues to delight consumers.

A Message from Acure Team

According to Kenji Takeuchi, Head of the Water Business Company at JR East, the new Pione Soda showcases the high quality of fruits from Okayama, known as a fruit kingdom. Okayama is significant not just for grapes but also for peaches and pears, boasting the third highest grape production in the country. The aim is to provide customers nationwide with a taste of Western Japan's abundant fruit flavors through this new release.

A Message from Curico Team

Meanwhile, representatives from Curico expressed their enthusiasm for collaborating with JR East. They hope that Pione Soda will introduce even more people to the delicious Pione grapes from Okayama. Their efforts have resulted in a uniquely crafted sparkling beverage that encapsulates the essence of these grapes, ready to refresh and delight.

Vending Machine Profiles

To make Pione Soda accessible, the brands are leveraging vending machines strategically located throughout the two railway company's networks:

• - Acure Vending Machines: Approximately 8,000 units in the JR East area, offering a tailored selection of beverages, including "Plus Acure" and "Natura Cure."
• - Curico Vending Machines: Approximately 2,000 units in urban centers of JR West, stocked by over 20 beverage manufacturers, featuring best-sellers and exclusive vending machine items.

We invite you to savor the unique taste of Pione Soda, whether you're traveling through Eastern or Western Japan. It’s a perfect choice for a refreshing break or a quick grab during your day. Enjoy!

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