Limoncello, a liqueur originating from southern Italy and made from lemon peels, is coming to Japan for the first time. The world’s No. 1 brand, “Pallini Limoncello,” produced and marketed by Italy’s Pallini S.p.A., will make its debut on the Japanese market.
Starting November 1, ENOMOTO LIQUORS, a beverage wholesaler specializing in the on-trade market, will launch exclusive import and distribution. The company established its Overseas Business Division last year and had been seeking novel, unique products that remain rare in Japan.
Around the same time, Pallini was looking for a partner to introduce its flagship product to Japan. Deeply impressed by ENOMOTO LIQUORS, Pallini made a strong proposal that led to the partnership and distribution agreement.
“There are four reasons we decided to accept this offer,” explained ENOMOTO LIQUORS Executive Managing Director Masaaki Enomoto at the October 21 press conference.
“First, “Pallini Limoncello” has no prior sales record in Japan, and second, it is the world’s No. 1 premium limoncello brand. Third, Pallini holds our company in very high regard. Fourth, the new drinking style “Pallini Tonic” pairs well as a meal-time drink in the Japanese dining scene and we saw strong potential for this product’s appeal.”
“Pallini Limoncello” is made exclusively from the rare, large Sfusato lemons cultivated organically in Amalfi, Italy. The lemon peels are steeped in alcohol, then blended with water and syrup, resulting in a vibrant lemon-colored liqueur.
For Japanese restaurants and bars, the company plans to promote pairings such as the “Pallini Tonic” (with tonic water) and cocktails made with sparkling wine. With its refreshing lemon aroma and rich mouthfeel, it aims to popularize limoncello—still unfamiliar in Japan—among consumers.
In a video message, Pallini President Micaela Pallini stated, “With everyone’s support in Japan, we aim to become No. 1 here as well. I hope this first step will be a wonderful foundation for the future.”
The product will be available at restaurants and hotels in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as on ENOMOTO LIQUORS’s e-commerce site and in its company-owned stores.
Alcohol content: 26%. Volume: 500 ml. Suggested retail price: ¥3,200.
