#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Social Issues #Beverage Companies

Overview of the Initiative

In a groundbreaking effort, major players in the beverage industry, including Asahi Soft Drinks, Ito En, Kirin Beverage, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, and Suntory Beverage & Food, have formed a collaborative group called the "Social Issues Response Research Committee". This initiative, launched in November 2024, aims to address significant societal challenges, including logistics issues anticipated in 2024 and food waste.

The committee is set to announce five key themes in November 2025, among which is the proposal to relax expiration dates for products during deliveries, allowing for reverse toleration of manufacturing lots. This will pave the way for more efficient logistics and reduce the likelihood of food waste.

Collaboration with Retail Giants

Following the committee's initiatives, Seven-Eleven Japan has agreed to support the movement aiming to implement these flexible expiration date measures within their beverage offerings starting this week. Moreover, Summit Co., Ltd. will conduct experimental implementations in select stores for specific products by late July.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to alleviate the existing logistical pressures caused by traditional retail practices, thus significantly decreasing food waste and improving overall efficiency in product delivery.

Background of the Initiative

In the realm of production, wholesale, and retail (commonly known as "manufacturing, distribution, and retail"), there is a strict adherence to matching manufacturing lots. If these logistics are disrupted, food waste can occur even before items reach store shelves. The anticipated truck driver shortage due to the 2024 logistics crisis could exacerbate these issues, particularly for beverages with longer shelf lives. By easing delivery rules, the committee believes that we can make meaningful progress toward resolving both the logistics challenges and food waste issues.

A survey conducted by the committee revealed that while 60-80% of consumers are concerned about expiration dates on perishable goods such as meat and milk, only about 10-20% express similar concern for processed foods. Furthermore, the survey indicated that bottled beverages, which don't require expiration date labeling, received responses comparable to ice creams, without strict adherence to buy dates. Notably, nearly 90% of consumers stated they would still purchase a product even if it had a reversed expiration date of one month.

Specific Initiatives

To effectively implement these strategies, collaborating retailers will aim for the following actions:

• - Start operating under relaxed expiration date guidelines that permit reverse toleration of manufacturing lots within defined limits.
• - Maintain a structured operation aligned with existing distribution and sales deadlines.
• - Cut down on additional transport required to match manufacturing lots.

The committee is committed to engaging with various stakeholders, including relevant government ministries and logistics research groups, in discussions addressing crucial societal challenges related to logistics and food waste. By collaborating and sharing insights across different sectors, the committee aims to tackle these issues on a larger scale where individual efforts may fall short.

Moving forward, these five companies remain dedicated to tackling social issues through ongoing research and dialogue. They strive to balance societal responsibility with environmental considerations as they endeavor to contribute positively toward a sustainable society. This collective movement aims at making a tangible impact in addressing critical social problems within the beverage industry, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to enhanced sustainability and reduced food waste.

Note: The details within this news release are accurate as of the publication date, and may vary from the latest information.