#Lotte #Engaru #Mint Research

Lotte Partners with Engaru Town for Mint Research

On July 3, 2025, Lotte Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has officially signed a partnership agreement with the town of Engaru in the Monbetsu district of Hokkaido. This agreement focuses on advancing mint research, particularly regarding the famed Japanese mint varieties.

Since its establishment in 1948, Lotte has maintained a strong commitment to mint, producing a variety of chewing gums. While the company primarily uses peppermint and spearmint in its current products, it has recently turned its attention towards exploring new mint varieties with rich fragrances. The journey led them to discover the Japanese mint, known as Wajyu Hakka.

Historically, the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido was known for producing the highest quantity of Japanese mint in the world around the 1940s, with Engaru Town being a pivotal area for research on cultivation methods and varietal improvement at agricultural experiment stations. Since 2022, Lotte has been collaborating with local farmers in Engaru to jointly cultivate and harvest Japanese mint. The new agreement establishes a framework for further joint efforts in mint cultivation and the promotion of Okhotsk mint culture.

Key Components of the Agreement

1. Mint Cultivation and Usage Research: Both parties shall collaborate on research initiatives pertaining to mint cultivation and its applications.
2. Cooperation with Local Organizations: The partnership will engage with relevant regional organizations to enhance collaboration.
3. Event Participation: Lotte will support events organized by Engaru Town to foster community engagement.
4. Cultural Promotion: The agreement includes activities aimed at raising awareness of the historical and cultural significance of mint production in Engaru.

The signing ceremony took place at the Engaru Town Art and Cultural Exchange Plaza, known as