Paqupa: The New Frontier in Baby Food
Kikkoman Group's latest innovation in the baby food sector, Paqupa, is set to significantly ease the weaning process for parents starting July 9. Developed by fufumu, a subsidiary of Kikkoman, Paqupa is a freeze-dried baby food that focuses on making the first bites of various ingredients not only safe but also enjoyable for young children. This product originated from Kikkoman's internal startup initiative, known as K2, which aims to fast-track new business developments.
As modern parents wish to introduce their children to a variety of foods while navigating concerns about allergies and the challenges of preparing traditional baby food, Paqupa offers a modern solution. The product features freeze-dried cubes made from common allergy-causing foods such as eggs, peanuts, and nuts, which can be easily reconstituted with a small amount of water or warm liquid. Each bag comes with six individually packaged cubes that let parents adjust serving sizes according to their child’s needs, facilitating a gradual introduction to new tastes.
The optimal time to introduce solid foods is generally when a child is about 5 to 6 months old. However, studies reveal that many parents are apprehensive about food allergies and the complexities of food preparation (
1). In response to these concerns, Paqupa has been developed under the guidance of pediatric allergy specialists (2), ensuring that little ones can safely explore new flavors while their parents maintain peace of mind.
The name fufumu significa represents a blend of lightheartedness in parenting—“fufu” indicates laughter, while “fumu” suggests reliable information to alleviate parenting anxieties. Kikkoman emphasizes the importance of creating new values in food and health as it moves towards achieving its long-term vision entitled "Global Vision 2030.”
What’s Special About Paqupa?
- - Ease of Use: Paqupa’s convenient freeze-dried format means parents can prepare meals in a matter of seconds, perfect for busy lifestyles.
- - Variety and Flexibility: With options that include egg and nut sets, parents can choose suitable combinations for their child's age, allowing for gradual adaptation.
- - Safety First: Developed in collaboration with experts in pediatric allergies to ensure all ingredients are suitable and safe.
Product Offerings
Paqupa will be available in several different sets:
1.
Egg Set for 6 Months: Contains both hard-boiled egg yolk and white (2 bags of each) - priced at 1,080 yen.
2.
Shellfish Set for 1 Year: Includes shrimp and crab (4 bags total) - priced at 2,160 yen.
3.
Peanut and Nut Variety for 1 Year: Features peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts - priced at 2,160 yen.
4.
Single Ingredient Bag Sets: Example: hard-boiled egg yolk (4 bags) also priced at 2,160 yen.
Paqupa will officially launch on July 9, 2025, and will be sold on fufumu's official website as well as at specialized baby product retailers. With this innovative product, Kikkoman Group is not only offering practical solutions for parents but is also contributing to a healthier future for children. For inquiries, customers can reach out to fufumu at info@fufumu.com.
In a time when personal health and dietary choices are paramount, Kikkoman’s direction with Paqupa sends a generous message: parenting can be simpler, safer, and even a bit fun.
(
1) Source: fufumu survey (2022, n=172)
(2) Supervised by Dr. Motohiro Ebizawa, Center Director at the Clinical Research Center, Sagamihara National Hospital.