#Japan #Shochu #Narita #Tsuruzora #JAL Agriport

Introduction

In a remarkable achievement for Japan Airlines (JAL) and its subsidiary, JAL Agriport, the premium sweet potato shochu, Tsuruzora PREMIUM, has clinched the prestigious Gold Outstanding award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time JAL has received such an honor in the spirits category. The IWSC, one of the world's most renowned competitions, features over 12,000 entries from more than 90 countries every year, making this win particularly noteworthy.

About Tsuruzora PREMIUM

Tsuruzora PREMIUM is produced using sweet potatoes grown on the JAL Agriport farm located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. The shochu is served in JAL's international business class, lounges, and at its dining establishment, DINING PORT Goryotsuru. Since its launch in April 2019, Tsuruzora has expanded to include four varieties: Tsuruzora, Tsuruzora PREMIUM, Tsuruzora 50/50, and Tsuruzora UME. This year, Tsuruzora PREMIUM stood out by achieving an impressive score of 98 points, leading to its exceptional recognition at the IWSC.

The IWSC Award

The International Wine and Spirit Competition, established in the UK in 1969, is one of the most prestigious global competitions dedicated to alcoholic beverages. It aims to evaluate the quality of wines and spirits from around the world and award outstanding products based on international standards. Tsuruzora PREMIUM’s win in the spirits category is a testament to its quality and the dedication behind its production. The highest gold award is given to products scoring between 98 and 100 points, signifying the exceptional standing of Tsuruzora PREMIUM among global competitors.

Ingredients and Tradition

The shochu is a result of meticulous craftsmanship, utilizing sweet potatoes from JAL Agriport's own plantations. The initiative was founded in 2018 to promote regional revitalization through agriculture, aiming to create high-quality products through a dedication to sustainable practices and traditional techniques. JAL Agriport not only operates this award-winning brand but also manages a farm and a Japanese-style restaurant, where customers can enjoy menus emphasizing local produce.

Commitment to Sustainability

JAL and JAL Agriport remain committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing community vitality. The focus on high-quality materials and traditional production methods in the Tsuruzora series illustrates their dedication to creating new value in the agricultural sector while preserving local heritage. The combination of modern technology with traditional practices has positioned Tsuruzora PREMIUM as not just a beverage, but as a cultural representation of Japan’s artisanal spirit.

Conclusion

The accolade received by Tsuruzora PREMIUM at the IWSC is not just a victory for JAL and JAL Agriport, but also an affirmation of the potential of Japanese craftsmanship in the global market. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it sets new standards in both quality and sustainability. With this gold award, Tsuruzora PREMIUM is poised to become a flagship product that showcases the best of Japanese shochu to the world.