#Japan #Tokyo #Akagi Dairy #Ryoura #Chef Sugamata

Akagi Dairy's New Special Parfait Series: A Delicious Innovation

Akagi Dairy Co., Ltd. is thrilled to announce the launch of a new ice parfait brand, featuring the Special Parfait series, expertly supervised by Chef Ryoosuke Sugamata from the popular Patisserie Ryoura. This exciting line-up will hit the shelves nationwide starting March 10, 2026.

The Special Parfait series comprises four unique flavors: Happy Chocolate Vanilla, Decadent Strawberry, Triple Cookie & Vanilla, and Double Chocolate Mint. After gaining insights from parfait ice cream buyers, Akagi Dairy decided to reinvent their parfait offerings to elevate the experience. Each flavor has been meticulously crafted by Chef Sugamata, focusing on flavor, texture, and overall appeal to provide a luxurious dessert experience.

Flavor Features and Composition

Each parfait is constructed with care, designed to tantalize the taste buds:

1. Happy Chocolate Vanilla

• - First Layer: Chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce.
• - Second Layer: Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips.
• - Third Layer: Chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce, layered with candied almonds and chocolate-flavored cookies in between.
• - Suggested Retail Price: ¥486 (tax included)
• - Energy: 422 kcal

2. Decadent Strawberry

• - First Layer: Strawberry ice cream topped with raspberry and strawberry sauce.
• - Second Layer: Milk ice cream with strawberry chunks.
• - Third Layer: Interlaced with strawberry-flavored cookies and a base of strawberry jelly.
• - Suggested Retail Price: ¥486 (tax included)
• - Energy: 387 kcal

3. Triple Cookie & Vanilla

• - First Layer: Vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate-flavored cookies.
• - Second Layer: Vanilla ice cream with cocoa cookies.
• - Third Layer: Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and cocoa cookies in between three layers.
• - Suggested Retail Price: ¥486 (tax included)
• - Energy: 416 kcal

4. Double Chocolate Mint

• - First Layer: Mint ice cream and white mint ice cream with toppings of chocolate sauce and chocolate-flavored cookies.
• - Second Layer: White mint ice cream.
• - Third Layer: Mint ice cream with chocolate chips, layered with cocoa cookies.
• - Suggested Retail Price: ¥486 (tax included)
• - Energy: 428 kcal

Development Journey

The creation of the Special Parfait series was informed by research conducted on customers who purchased parfait desserts. It was revealed that parfaits are regarded as elite desserts, uniquely capable of providing a sense of luxury and special enjoyment when consumed at home. The typical purchasers are often in their 40s to 50s and value personal time, preferring to indulge in their desserts slowly. Many customers expressed a desire for their favorite flavors in ideal specifications, paving the way for the Special Parfait's design grounded in the concept of delivering an extraordinary experience.

Chef Ryoosuke Sugamata's Insight

Chef Sugamata, who oversaw the development of this dessert line, shared his approach. He stated: "Creating these parfaits involved a mindset similar to how I design cake compositions at my shop. To keep each bite enjoyable from start to finish, I incorporated cookies and jellies to diversify textures and tastes, making them easy to savor. It’s my hope that many will enjoy these creations."

Born in Niigata in 1976, Chef Sugamata embarked on his patisserie journey after high school. At 26, he honed his skills in France across various regions, spending three years perfecting his craft. Upon returning, he served as sous-chef at Pierre Hermé's Salon de Thé, gaining knowledge in technique, artistry, creativity, and sensitivity. Chef Sugamata later opened his own shop, Ryoura, in 2015 in Yoga, where he remains an influential figure in the dessert scene, also engaging in media and educational activities.

Special Parfait Campaign

To celebrate the launch, Akagi Dairy is hosting a promotional campaign through their official X and Instagram accounts. Starting from March 9, 2026, participants can enter for a chance to win prizes including the Special Parfait varieties and exclusive macarons inspired by the new series. Details about how to participate can be found on their social media pages.

For the latest updates on the Special Parfait series and the campaign, visit the Akagi Dairy Special Parfait Brand Site.

Join us in celebrating the arrival of these delightful desserts and don't miss your chance to indulge in a taste of luxury!