#Japan #Minato-ku #Suntory #Mapion #TAG LIVE!

Suntory Food International Enhances Customer Experience with New Mapping Service

Suntory Food International, known for its beverages like 'Suntory Natural Water' and 'Iyemon,' has rolled out a new feature called 'Buyable Store Map' through its innovative 'TAG LIVE! LABEL,' which helps consumers find vending machines dispensing special character drinks. This initiative marks a significant step in making original label drinks accessible to fans 24/7.

Background of the Initiative

Suntory Food International operates under the guiding principles of 'Growing for Good / Do Your Best / Profit Share System.' With a focus on its refreshing beverage business, it continues to expand its reach globally. In Japan, ready-to-drink (RTD) products such as unsweetened tea and bottled water have garnered a substantial share of the market, facilitated by the widespread availability of vending machines that allow consumers to purchase drinks anytime, anywhere.

In April 2023, the company launched 'TAG LIVE! LABEL,' a service that allows customers to buy drinks with original labels featuring popular characters and photos directly at event venues and commercial facilities. This service has since offered a range of exclusive label cans in collaboration with various content across Suntory's vending machines nationwide. The rising demand for 'oshi-katsu' (fan activities) has resulted in customers frequently inquiring about the locations of these special drinks and the availability at vending machines.

To address this need, the company has partnered with Mapion's Biz service to introduce the 'Buyable Store Map.' This feature allows customers to efficiently locate and check the status of vending machines that offer 'TAG LIVE! LABEL' cans, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.

Details of the 'Buyable Store Map' Service

The 'Buyable Store Map' merges store information and shipment data to allow users to easily find the nearest retailers carrying their desired drinks via the Mapion website. This service initially launched in December 2017 under the name 'Retail Store Search Service' and was rebranded to 'Buyable Store Map' in September 2024.

This new feature not only helps reduce the workload of customer support centers but also integrates well with promotional platforms like social media and the electronic flyer service 'Shufoo!', facilitating marketing opportunities.

You can explore the 'Buyable Store Map' for TAG LIVE! LABEL products here: Buyable Store Map.

Company Insights and Future Outlook

According to a representative from Suntory Food International, the popularity of the original label cans means that they are often sold for only a month at a time. Customers have expressed a need for simple access to vending machine locations and inventory statuses. Thus, the introduction of the 'Buyable Store Map' aims to improve user experience and ensure that the company's unique products reach a wider audience.

With a user base of 12 million monthly, Mapion provides an extensive mapping service that caters to corporate clients. The integration of 'Mapion Biz' has positively impacted over 300 companies since its rebranding in November 2020, adding great value through various services such as store search, Google Business Profile integration, and API services.

For more details on Mapion and its various offerings, visit Mapion.

Conclusion

Through this strategic introduction of the Buyable Store Map, Suntory Food International not only meets consumer demand but also enhances its brand visibility in an increasingly digital marketplace. As fans seek their favorite beverages, this new service ensures that a convenient solution is always just a click away.