Japanese ume fruit liqueur brand Choya, which has built a strong presence in travel retail in Asia Pacific, has taken top honours at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Choya Craft Fruit was judged Best in Show in the Liqueur category and Best of Class (Fruit Liqueur) at the event, which was held in San Francisco last month. The competition attracted over 3,500 entries.
As reported, Choya is targeting further expansion beyond its core markets, with travel retail an important channel.
Choya Senior Manager Seiji Susuki said: “We are looking more closely at markets which have remained untapped for the brand: the Americas, Europe and Africa.”
Choya was a Silver Partner at last year’s inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo where the brand launched The Choya Aged 3 Years Extra Fruit.
There it highlighted the attributes of its traditional Umeshu spirit, pointing out that the ume fruit contains a comparatively high level of organic acids, including citric, apple, amber and crude acid, which are regarded as beneficial to good health.
Its mission is to produce and promote the finest Umeshu made from natural ingredients… and to “make you smile”. The Choya product line-up includes Choya Aged 18 Years Urushi, Choya Extra Years, Choya Extra Shiso and Choya Royal Honey (all with fruit), and Extra Series Miniature Set. New lines include Choya Aged 3 years Extra Fruit (with ume puree) and Choya Yzu citrus fruits liqueur. |
