#Japan #Tokyo #Colombin #Amarin® #Strawberry Champion

A Sweet Triumph for Amarin® at the Strawberry Championship

On June 16, 2023, Colombin, a famous patisserie headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, announced a delightful victory during the award ceremony for the "5th Customer's Choice National Strawberry Championship" held at the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. This event honored the incredible achievement of the Amarin® strawberry, cultivated at the Tadakane Farm in Chichibu, Saitama, for winning the prestigious title for the fifth consecutive year.

During the ceremony, Mr. Hiroaki Takano, who runs the Tadakane Farm, humbly expressed his gratitude for the support he received while overcoming various challenges in his agricultural journey. He emphasized a commitment to sustainability, focusing on chemical-free farming practices and the utilization of local organic resources for compost production. This ethos underlines the dedication to quality and the pursuit of the true essence of agriculture.

The Results of the 5th Strawberry Championship

1. First Place: Amarin® (Tadakane Farm, Saitama)
2. Second Place: Ookimi (Ono Farm, Miyazaki)
3. Third Place: Kinoka (Maeda Farm, Wakayama)

The event was not just about the awards; it was also an opportunity to debut luxury sweets featuring the champion strawberries. From February 4 to February 15, 2026, a special pop-up store named "Waffle Palette" in Shinjuku showcased over 20 different strawberry varieties. Each carefully selected strawberry was transformed into delectable waffles, with Colombin presenting eight varieties enriched with their signature flavors.

Special Dessert Premier

At the award ceremony, a lavish selection of desserts made with the top three strawberries—Amarin®, Ookimi, and Kinoka—was introduced. Starting January 2027, these exquisite treats will be available at the Colombin Harajuku Salon and select stores only for a limited time.

Afternoon Tea Amarin® Special Set

This set exclusively presents a variety of sweets using Amarin® strawberries, such as:

• - Amarin® Shortcake
• - Amarin® Romanoff
• - Amarin® Macarons
• - Amarin® Tart
• - Whole Wheat Scones

The savory options include dishes crafted with Ookimi and Kinoka, like roasted duck with honey red wine vinegar, salads with ricotta cheese, and a vegetable quiche. Additionally, a special dessert trio featuring a parfait made with Amarin®, Ookimi, and Kinoka will delight dessert lovers.

Premium Queen Shortcake & Roll Cake

The Premium Queen Shortcake is uniquely crafted using a dome-shaped design, featuring Amarin® strawberries, 40% whipped cream, and a soft sponge cake that melts in your mouth. This type of cake, known as "zuccotto," originated from Florence, Italy during the Renaissance period.

The Premium Queen Roll Cake, adorned lavishly with Amarin® and a stunning chocolate tiara, embodies a sense of luxury, complemented by edible gold leaf and a blue-gold finish.

These premium desserts are set to be offered at various Colombin locations starting from late January 2027 until March 15.

A Legacy of Sweetness

Founded in 1924 by Kunihara Kadokura, who served the Imperial Palace, Colombin is recognized as Japan’s pioneer in authentic French confections. They invented the popular shortcake and were among the first to establish cafés with terrace dining and on-site demonstrations of cake-making in Japan. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Colombin remains steadfast in upholding traditions while embracing innovation to provide delightful experiences for its customers.

For more information, visit Colombin's Official Website and check out their Instagram at @colombin1924_official.