#Japan #Chiba #Philocoffea #Caffeine-Free #Barista Tetsu

FamilyMart Launches Caffeine-Free Latte

FamilyMart, a leading convenience store chain in Japan, is set to launch its first-ever caffeine-free latte on April 28, 2026. This innovative product, known as the "Caffeine-Free Café Latte," has been developed in collaboration with Tetsu Kasuya, the world-renowned barista who has taken the coffee world by storm since winning the World Brewers Cup in 2016. The new latte will be available at approximately 16,400 FamilyMart locations across Japan, signaling a new era in convenience store coffee offerings.

A Journey to Caffeine-Free

Tetsu Kasuya, who heads Philocoffea, a specialty coffee company based in Chiba, Japan, has been a significant force in the development of café-style beverages for FamilyMart. Since February 2020, he has collaborated on counter coffee for the "FAMIMACAFÉ" brand, and starting September 2022, he began joint product development for the chilled cup coffee line under the private brand “FAMIMARU.” The Caffeine-Free Café Latte marks a significant milestone, as it is not only the first of its kind in the chilled cup series but also showcases a commitment to quality and flavor.

Popularity and Market Expansion

Since its launch in 2022, the “World Champion Barista Recommended” series has achieved impressive sales figures, surpassing a total of 218.93 million units as of April 2026. The product range now includes six variants: the new Caffeine-Free Latte, Fresh Caramel Latte, Low-Sugar Café Latte, Regular Café Latte, Sugar-Free Café Latte, and Black Coffee. The growing demand for caffeine-free options reflects a significant trend driven by increasing health consciousness and diverse lifestyles, with a notable 2.3-fold increase in domestic demand for caffeine-free products over the last decade.

According to the All Japan Coffee Association, the import volume of decaffeinated coffee beans rose from 2,446 tons in 2015 to a projected 5,632 tons by 2025. The global market for decaffeinated coffee is expected to reach $6.27 billion by 2025 and continue growing, highlighting the industry's shift toward caffeine-free alternatives.

The Flavor Behind the Latte

The new Caffeine-Free Café Latte promises to deliver a robust flavor experience. Utilizing 100% Colombian beans, the latte is crafted using a unique mountain water process that eliminates caffeine without the use of chemicals. This method preserves the coffee’s original flavors and aromas, ensuring that it caters to customers who prefer or require caffeine-free options, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Tetsu Kasuya commented on the launch, expressing his long-term goal of creating a caffeine-free product since his involvement with chilled coffee merchandise began in 2022. He emphasizes that this latte is a delicious option without sacrificing flavor, a concern often associated with caffeine-free beverages. With this debut, he hopes to satisfy those who need to limit their caffeine intake while enjoying an excellent coffee experience.

About Philocoffea

Philocoffea, founded by Tetsu Kasuya, aims to provide world-class specialty coffee experiences. The company prides itself on sourcing the finest beans, with a team of champion roasters and baristas ensuring quality from bean selection to brewing. The flagship store in Omotesando serves as a hub for coffee culture, offering customers an opportunity to enjoy specialty coffee while learning about various brewing methods and the unique personalities of different beans.

Kasuya, who was the first Asian to win the World Brewers Cup, has established himself as a key figure not only in Japan but also in the international coffee scene. He continues to advocate for coffee education and barista training through workshops and lectures around the world, solidifying his influence in the industry.

The Caffeine-Free Café Latte will retail for 212 yen, including tax, when it launches in April—making it an appealing option for those seeking a comforting coffee experience without the caffeine kick.

With its rich lineage and commitment to specialty coffee, FamilyMart’s latest offering is poised to set a new standard in the convenience coffee sector as it meets the growing demand for quality, caffeine-free options.