#Japan #Kobe #UCC #YOINED #Japanese Coffee

UCC's Innovative Product: YOINED

UCC (Ueshima Coffee Company), based in Kobe, Japan, has once again proven its innovative spirit with the launch of its latest product, YOINED, a non-drinkable coffee that hit the market in November 2023. Amazingly, this unique creation sold out in merely two days after its initial stock was made available on the official online store. The excitement surrounding the launch was palpable, with pre-order numbers reaching an impressive 160% compared to last year's figures during the same promotional period.

What is YOINED?

YOINED is not your average coffee. This groundbreaking product originates from UCC's proprietary method, which has taken over two decades to develop. The name itself, YOINED, reflects the lingering aftertaste or 'yoin' one experiences after savoring coffee. Researchers at UCC were inspired by a desire to fully appreciate every facet of coffee beans, leading to an exceptional product that captures the genuine sweetness, acidity, and bitterness of coffee directly. Unlike traditional coffee, YOINED allows you to experience the rich aroma of coffee without brewing it, offering a unique sensory experience.

The result is a product that looks like chocolate but doesn't contain cacao; instead, it provides a one-of-a-kind coffee tasting experience. This innovation has been well-received, with UCC quickly meeting and exceeding its sales goals in the product's inaugural year.

Sales Success

In its first year on the market, YOINED achieved its annual sales target within just five days and has continued to see sellouts. The second batch launched in November 2024 also received similar acclaim, surpassing sales numbers by 150% compared to the previous year. With its online launch on October 28, and subsequent physical store availability starting November 4, consumer demand has been extremely high. Reports from various stores indicated that initial shipments were quickly sold out, reflecting consumer enthusiasm for this novel coffee.

Feedback from customers highlights the excitement surrounding YOINED: many expressed joy in anticipating its return after purchasing it the previous year, while others noted its potential as a unique gift option.

Product Innovation and Design

YOINED's uniqueness lies in its patented manufacturing process (Patent No. 6849552), inspired by traditional chocolate-making methods. The coffee beans are ground and blended with coffee oil, encapsulated in a layer of fat to preserve the fresh aroma. Unlike drinking coffee, which often loses its aromatic potency, YOINED allows consumers to indulge in the inherent scents and flavors of coffee in a solid form. This innovation showcases UCC's commitment to exploring the full spectrum of what coffee can offer.

The current version offers two distinct tastes from Colombian and Guatemalan coffee beans, allowing consumers to choose between flavors that highlight the diversity in coffee cultivation and preparation.

Tasting Notes

1. Colombian Coffee: Known for its fruity undertones, the Colombian option evokes flavors reminiscent of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, providing a vibrant taste experience.
2. Guatemalan Coffee: Featuring sweet notes of orange and cherry, this option offers a smooth finish that harmonizes the balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

These flavors are made even more enjoyable as part of entertaining pairings with different types of alcohol, such as whiskey and sake, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Celebrating the Aftertaste

UCC invites coffee lovers to embrace the full aftertaste experience that YOINED provides. With its distinct culinary potential, YOINED can be integrated into gatherings, making it a thoughtful addition to gifts and social occasions. The innovative product is more than just a coffee alternative: it is a testament to UCC's dedication to revolutionizing the coffee culture in Japan.

From the successful online launch to its physical store integration, YOINED is confirming its place in the market, promising coffee enthusiasts a novel and delightful way to enjoy coffee better than ever.

It's not simply about drinking coffee anymore; it's about tasting and experiencing every note of it through YOINED.