#Japan #Tokyo #Alpha Rice #Onishi Foods #Sustainable Beer

Introduction

On February 10, 2026, Onishi Foods participated in the inaugural Sustainable Gastronomy Award event held at the AgVenture Lab in Tokyo, showcasing its innovative upcycled beer made from scraps generated during the alpha rice manufacturing process. This project exemplifies the company's commitment to sustainability, aligning with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's startup support initiative, TIB CATAPULT. Through this collaboration, Onishi Foods partnered with Beer the First to transform production waste into a delightful new product.

The Sustainable Gastronomy Award

The Sustainable Gastronomy Award, initiated on Food Day (February 10), recognizes firms and startups that strive to balance social value and business viability within the realms of food, agriculture, and gastronomy. The event, hosted by the SA&F Cluster of AgVenture Lab, received support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Bureau. It aimed to present practical examples of sustainable food culture, encompassing the entire food production and consumption cycle.

During the event, the announcement of award winners was followed by the exciting debut of the upcycled beer, marking a significant achievement in collaborative innovation between established companies and startups.

Onishi Foods' Contribution

Onishi Foods supplied the alpha rice production leftovers, known as shavings, as a raw material for brewing beer. Alpha rice is created by cooking rice, then drying and breaking it into pieces. This process generates approximately 100 kg of production scraps daily. Historically, these scraps have been utilized primarily as animal feed.

In this project, however, a portion of the scraps was repurposed as a substitute ingredient for malt. With starch being the main component, the scraps proved effective as a fermentation material. The initiative indicates that the scrap is an inevitable by-product of the manufacturing process, which encourages the development of a continuous upcycling model rather than a one-off project.

Reducing Waste with New Value

Masahiko Kurita, the sales director at Onishi Foods, shared the company's vision during the event. He stated, "We generate about 100 kg of scraps daily. The amount used in this beer is just a fraction. This initiative is less about revenue generation and more about the mindset of ‘reducing waste.’"

Kurita emphasized that while utilizing scraps as animal feed is important, transforming them into a desirable product for consumers adds new value. This project exemplifies the potential of upcycling, making a significant impact on sustainability.

A New Role for Emergency Food Manufacturers

Onishi Foods is recognized for supplying food during emergencies and disasters. However, the company acknowledges the importance of exploring sustainable food solutions during regular times. Although the perception of alpha rice leans towards being emergency food, its manufacturing techniques and ingredient characteristics can seamlessly connect with everyday culinary practices.

The upcycled beer serves as a symbolic initiative for resource circulation, bridging the gap between emergency and everyday food needs.

Product Overview

• - Product Name: RICE ALE
• - Type: Beer
• - Price: Open
• - Volume: 350ml
• - Shelf Life: 240 days (8 months) at room temperature
• - Launch Date: March 2026
• - Sales Location: First available at Seijo Ishii (limited to selected stores)
• - Sales Company: Beer the First Co.

About Onishi Foods

• - Business Overview: Manufacturing and sale of long-term preservation food
• - CEO: Nobusuke Ichikawa
• - Location: 12th Floor, Shibaura Renasite Tower, 3-9-1 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023
• - Website: https://www.onisifoods.co.jp/

In conclusion, the introduction of upcycled beer from alpha rice manufacturing waste not only showcases innovative product development but also highlights the growing trend of sustainable food practices. Companies like Onishi Foods are setting the stage for a circular economy within the food industry.