#Japan #Emergency Food #Shibuya #Kewpie #Gentle Menu

Kewpie's 'Gentle Menu' Series Shines at Emergency Food Awards

In a significant achievement, Kewpie Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has received the top accolade at the inaugural Emergency Food Awards hosted by the Japan Food Newspaper Association. Their product, the 'Gentle Menu Tai Zosui' (Tai Rice Porridge), was awarded the highest honor in the Special Nutritional Foods and Supplements category. Additionally, their 'Gentle Menu Soft Rice' received a special judge's award in the staple foods category, while 'Gentle Menu Smooth Braised Daikon' and 'Gentle Menu Smooth Spinach Pottage' were also recognized for their quality in the main dish and side dish categories, respectively.

Understanding the Importance of Emergency Foods

As natural disasters have become more prevalent in recent years, the significance of emergency food has risen considerably. The Emergency Food Awards aim to honor outstanding products that can be safely consumed by anyone during such challenging times. Kewpie is dedicated to providing nutritious and safe food options during emergencies, especially through their award-winning 'Gentle Menu' series—designed to be reliable backup food supplies.

The concept of rolling stock, which encourages consumers to buy extra amounts of these easy-to-eat meals during normal times, allows families to maintain a ready supply of food that adheres to their usual dietary preferences, effectively bridging their daily meals with emergency resources.

Features of the 'Gentle Menu' Series

The award-winning 'Gentle Menu Tai Zosui' exemplifies Kewpie's commitment to incorporating Universal Design Food (UDF) principles, making it suitable for a wide range of consumers, from the elderly to those with dietary restrictions. This easy-to-eat porridge encompasses the essence of tasty emergency food that can be stored at room temperature for over a year, eliminating the need for complex preparation. It can be enjoyed straight from the package, ensuring a reliable food source even during power outages or resource shortages.

The sensory familiarity of such meals helps alleviate stress during disasters, as psychological factors can affect even those accustomed to regular diets. The 'Gentle Menu Tai Zosui' provides approximately 1.5 times the energy of standard rice porridge, while ensuring a delicious and nutritious experience. Consuming these meals regularly improves the comfort level during emergencies, as individuals will be familiar with the flavors.

Kewpie's focus extends beyond simply creating emergency food; they emphasize that all individuals should have access to quality nourishment during crises. Through their 'Gentle Menu' series, Kewpie seeks to offer everyone the assurance of 'eating with confidence' should calamities strike.

Highlights of Award-winning Products

1. 'Gentle Menu Tai Zosui' (Highest Award in Special Nutritional Foods)
This product is beautifully crafted using Tai and ingredients like Yaki-zu (smoked dried fish), highlighting the umami flavors. It is nutrient-dense, providing substantial energy per serving while fitting into the UDF category 'can be crushed with the tongue.' Its shelf life is 19 months at room temperature.

2. 'Gentle Menu Soft Rice' (Special Judge's Award for Staple Foods)
Made with premium Koshihikari rice, this soft rice dish preserves the rice's natural aroma and sweetness without becoming sticky or watery. Its preparation focuses on texture, and it remains viable for 25 months at room temperature.

3. 'Gentle Menu Smooth Braised Daikon' (Awarded in Main Dish Category)
Combines genuine flavors of buri (yellowtail) and daikon, enhanced by soy sauce and bonito stock, prepared to a smooth consistency for easy consumption. This product is also shelf-stable for 19 months.

4. 'Gentle Menu Smooth Spinach Pottage' (Awarded in Side Dish Category)
Featuring a blend of spinach, potatoes, and corn, this creamy pottage caters to those who need a UDF category meal that can be eaten without chewing. It incorporates fibers, calcium, and iron while having a comfortable shelf life of 19 months.

In conclusion, Kewpie's 'Gentle Menu' series stands out as not only a solution for current nutritional needs but also becomes an essential part of preparedness for any household, reinforcing the confidence of having food that provides comfort and nutrition even in crises.