Pepsi is rolling out a summertime flavor for Japanese drinkers made from shiso. Shiso is a leafy plant whose leaves, flowers and even seeds are commonly used in salads and garnishes.
Coming on the heels of last year’s limited release of Ice Cucumber Pepsi, we’re not sure what’s going on in the land of the rising sun. Next time you are around your Japanese friends, slap your forehead and say “I could have had a Pepsi Shiso!”
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Flavored Sodas
- Opportunity for other soda companies to experiment with unique and unconventional flavors.
- Natural Ingredients
- The trend towards using natural ingredients in sodas, as shiso is a leafy plant.
- Cultural Flavors
- Introducing regional and cultural flavors as a way of appealing to customers who are interested in trying new things.
Where This Applies
- Beverage Industry
- Opportunity for beverage companies to develop unique and novel flavors as a way of distinguishing themselves from the competition.
- Food Industry
- Opportunity for food companies to explore using unconventional ingredients such as shiso in their products.
- Hospitality Industry
- Opportunity for the hospitality industry to incorporate unique and novel regional flavors, such as shiso, in their drink menus.
