Seasoning mix of mixed rice sold by local kombu (kelp) processing manufacturers are performing well. While last year’s rice price surge impacted rice-related products and tsukudani (simmered dishes), sales of mixed rice items are increasing due to the sale of stockpiled rice.
Fuji Shokuhin (Osaka), a company known for kombu tea and tsukudani, recently renewed its “Mixed Rice” series. The packaging, which was previously transparent to show the contents, has been switched to photolabeled boxes to better convey the cooked result. As more distributors express a desire to sell the series at supermarkets, the packaging redesign aims to catch eyes in stores.
The series offers eight types, with “Hijiki ” (seaweed) and “Corn” being particularly popular. There were tough periods last year due to surging rice prices, but since the release of stockpiled rice, demand from distributors for related sales has grown, and performance remains strong. President Takayoshi Fujii says, “The convenience and ease of eating our mixed rice is well received. We are eager to expand distribution channels.”
Similarly, tsukudani maker Hirotuku (Hiroshima) is seeing good movement with its own mixed rice product “Uchi Maze Gohan” (at-home mixed rice). Four types are available, including “Tori Gobou” (chicken & burdock) and “Chirimen Hijiki,” (dried young sardines & seaweed) with “Chirashi Sushi” being the most popular.
This series is small amount type, offered for 1 go (150g) of rice. President Arata Takemoto analyzes, “The 1 go portion, which is not offered by major brands, and the simplicity of mixing, are popular among customers.” On online shops, bulk set purchases are common. Since its launch in 2020, sales have steadily grown thanks to more dual-income households, and have further expanded following the sale of stockpiled rice.
