#Japan #Tokyo #House Foods #Kokumaro #Stew Launch

Celebrating 30 Years of Kokumaro with New Stew Variants

House Foods Corporation, a renowned name in the food industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new product, the Kokumaro Stew, as part of the company's 30th-anniversary celebrations for the long-standing Kokumaro brand. The new stew variants, Cream and Beef, will be available in supermarkets from August 10, 2026. Designed to appeal to all ages, these stews promise deep flavors and a creamy texture, perfect for family meals.

Unique Features of Kokumaro Stew

The new Kokumaro Stew goes beyond ordinary preparations, seamlessly blending two exquisite flavors into each variant:

Cream Stew Flavor

• - This stew combines the rich taste of sautéed onion roux with a creamy paste made from fresh cream. The sweet and umami flavors from the onions complement the thick cream, creating a satisfying and indulgent taste experience.
• - Using high-quality milk-derived ingredients and cheese, the Cream Stew balances richness with the savory notes of chicken broth, resulting in a smoothly delectable flavor that avoids being overly rich, ensuring it remains enjoyable for everyone.

Beef Stew Flavor

• - In this variant, sautéed onion roux beautifully melds with a refined demi-glace paste. The caramelized sweetness of the onions gives way to a well-balanced richness and a palate-friendly demiglace.
• - Meticulously sourced ingredients enable the stew to showcase the sweet aromas of vegetables and the umami from beef, culminating in an incredibly layered and flavorful experience.

Packaging that Brings Warmth to Family Meals

Aligned with its vision, House Foods revamped the packaging for all Kokumaro products in February 2026. The new design features cozy imagery reflecting family moments around a bubbling pot of stew, enhancing the overall experience. The blend logo on the packaging includes illustrations representing the key sensations of richness and smoothness, making it clear that Kokumaro Stew is all about comfort and flavor.

Development Story

House Foods aimed to encapsulate the allure of stews that appeal to families, especially given the busy lifestyles many lead today. Recognizing preferences for creaminess and crunchiness alongside a desire for deeper flavors, the company embarked on a mission to create a satisfying yet economical option for everyday meals. With the rising cost of living impacting households, the goal was to maintain a balance between indulgence and affordability.

To make this vision a reality, the development focused on ensuring a well-rounded and balanced flavor profile, designed specifically to be enjoyed by families—offering a comforting and familiar taste of stew that engages and delights both children and adults alike.

Flavor Ingredients and Harmony

The intention was to create stews that resonate with familiar, hearty flavors of creamy and rich textures. Both variants also include a splash of soy sauce as a hidden flavor enhancer, pairing excellently with rice, making it a perfect option for families, particularly those with children eager for a wholesome meal.

Example of Flavor Harmony in each variant:

• - For Cream Stew, the balance of sautéed onions and cream was meticulously refined through 250 trial recipes, combining various inspirations and adjusting flavors based on customer feedback. Each flavor note was carefully calibrated to create a unique steady dish.
• - For Beef Stew, the recipe brilliantly integrates a balanced demi-glace that doesn’t overpower, using sweet-scented vegetables and beef essence for a rounded taste experience, without the bitterness often associated with cheaper wine-based products.

Marketing and Launch Plan

The launch will be supported by a vibrant advertising campaign featuring Ayako Imoto, the charismatic and approachable face of the beloved Kokumaro Curry, who will introduce Kokumaro Stew in an engaging manner during TV commercials targeting a diverse audience.

Product Specifications

• - Product Names: Kokumaro Stew (Cream and Beef flavors)
• - Contents: 140g per pack
• - Price: Open pricing, with a retail price estimated around 267 yen (excluding tax).
• - Release Date: August 10, 2026
• - Available Locations: Nationwide

For additional details about the Kokumaro Curry series, please visit the official website.

Conclusion

The launch of Kokumaro Stew, celebrating the 30-year legacy of the Kokumaro brand, promises to be a delightful addition to the dining tables of families across Japan, encapsulating warmth, comfort, and deliciousness in every bowl.