The Award-Winning 'FRUITS SNOWBALL': A Delightful Rice Flour Dessert Celebrated by Experts

Celebrating a Culinary Achievement: The 'FRUITS SNOWBALL'

In a world where the culinary arts continually evolve, the 'FRUITS SNOWBALL' stands out as a remarkable creation, earning the prestigious Gold Award at the 102nd Japan Food Selection in August 2026. This rice flour dessert, produced by the JR East Cross Station Foods Company at the Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory, has garnered applause from over 23,000 food analysts. Its unique blend of flavors, textures, and an elegant presentation exemplifies the best of Japanese confectionery.

What is 'FRUITS SNOWBALL'?

The 'FRUITS SNOWBALL' is the inaugural product in the high-end 'TOIRO PREMIUM KOMEKO' series, showcasing the premium quality of Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour from Tokamachi. This exquisite dessert features a blend of almond powder and French fermented butter, harmoniously complemented by dried fruits, subtly infused with rum, and accented with cinnamon. The result is an airy texture that dissolves in your mouth, releasing a fragrant bouquet of flavors that tantalize the senses.

Product Overview

- Name: FRUITS SNOWBALL
- Price: 1,600 yen (tax included) per box (5 pieces), includes a special shopping bag.
- Manufactured at: Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory, Niigata Prefecture.
- Where to buy:

- Tokyo Station: Various locations including Ekiben-ya Matsuri Select and the TOKYO STATION CAFE - THE NORTH DOME.
- Shinjuku Station: Ekiben-ya Matsuri Select.
- Shibuya, Tokyo: Shinjuku CROSSING Cafe & Dining.
- Ginza, Tokyo: The Niigata Information Center.
- Tokamachi City: Atama Kogen Resort Bernatio, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Entrance, and the Tokamachi City General Tourism Information Center (Tocco).

A Look into Japan Food Selection

The Japan Food Selection is a pioneering evaluation and certification system, organized by the Japan Food Analyst Association. It involves thorough assessments through surveys and tastings conducted by a panel of 23,000 food analysts. The evaluation criteria focus on numerous aspects, including taste, production method, and design, with over 100 detailed checkpoints guiding the judges. Earning a score of 80-89 merits a Gold Award, while scores of 90-100 achieve the highest honor, the Grand Prix.

Why Did 'FRUITS SNOWBALL' Win the Gold Award?

The award-winning dessert was celebrated for several critical aspects:
1. Exquisite Texture and Flavor Harmony: The delicate texture of the dessert, made from 100% Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour, combined with the rich flavors of fruits and almonds, offers an exceptional balance admired by the judges.
2. Design Reflecting Local Culture: The packaging, embodying the essence of the snowy region of Tokamachi, features a sophisticated design with a palette of yellow and gold that contributes to its luxurious allure.
3. High-Quality Management and Modern Gift Needs: The product addresses the contemporary demand for “bit of luxury” gifts while ensuring quality management adhering to ISO22000 standards, a factor that significantly contributed to its acclaim.

Commemorating the Award: Social Media Campaign

To celebrate this significant achievement, the TOIRO brand is hosting a social media campaign. Participants can enter a draw to win a box of 'FRUITS SNOWBALL' by following the official @toiro_2024 account on X and reposting the campaign post between September 1st and September 14th. Detailed guidelines will be shared on the official X account soon.

About Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory

Opened in September 2014 as part of JR East Group's regional revitalization efforts, the Tokamachi Sukoyaka Factory specializes in producing allergy-friendly baked goods, specifically designed without wheat, eggs, or dairy. Collaborating with Takaki Bakery's expert technical team, the factory creates cakes using Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour and soy milk. Furthermore, the facility produces vegan-friendly rice flour cookies and pound cakes featuring regional ingredients for the Gran Class service on Shinkansen trains.

Company Overview

JR East Cross Station Company, established on April 1, 2021, is headquartered in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. As a fully-owned subsidiary of JR East, it operates various retail and food services, including convenience stores like ‘NewDays’, while also managing an array of restaurants and commercial facilities within stations. Its commitment to regional revitalization and high-quality food production is evident in their innovative approach and product offerings.

The ‘FRUITS SNOWBALL’, with its delightful flavors and esteemed recognition, not only embodies culinary artistry but also signifies the dedication to quality and cultural heritage through food.