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Yakult has launched its first aseptic food and beverage products on the Korean market, in Ecolean Air Aseptic lightweight packages. The first two products tap into the health products trend, with convenient and innovative packaging.

Yakult is a well-established global food and beverage manufacturer, putting one trillion packages onto the market every year. Its first beverage on the Korean market for ambient distribution marks the company’s move into the aseptic segment.

Hyfresh ready-to-drink tea launched in the Ecolean Air Aseptic 125ml package is developed in collaboration with the Pyunkang medical institute. In the liquid food space, Hyfresh ready-to-drink vegetable soup, in Ecolean Air Aseptic 200ml, is positioned as a nutritious vegetable-based creamy soup.

“The Ecolean package is the perfect fit for us, since it is lightweight and flexible, yet extremely durable. We have already seen a huge interest from consumers,” says Jeonghyeon Hong, marketing manager, Yakult Korea.

Johnny Sajland, sales director, Ecolean said the launch also marks Ecolean’s debut in Korea. “We are looking forward to showing consumers the benefits of our lightweight packages – being microwaveable and easy to use. Brand owners using lightweight packaging are not only reporting cost savings but also an improved environmental profile and brand image among other advantages,” he says.

Yakult says it holds packaging suppliers to a high standard. “We are developing food and beverage products responding to health concerns in typical modern lives. Marking the launch of our health-oriented ready-to-drink tea, we are addressing the need for self-care. The same can be said about our launch of Hyfresh vegetable soup, bringing an end to health concerns derived from vegetable-poor diets,” says Jeonghyeon Hong. “This is so important to us, to be able to make a difference in the consumer’s everyday life and we feel that with Ecolean that promise is strengthened.”

Ecolean pouches have been adopted in Australia by Bannister Downs Dairy and in New Zealand by Tatua Dairy Company.

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