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Japan Focus: Asahi AI designs, Kirin INHOP s new hop drink launch, supermarket updates and more in our round-up By Pearly Neo Asahi AI designs, Kirin INHOP s new hop drink launch, supermarket updates and more feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
Japanese beverage giant Asahi is using an AI-powered design technology to design product packaging with a focus on ‘objectivity’ and ‘originality’, as opposed to going with the general industry flow of creating personalised designs.
The technology is dubbed the ‘AI Creator System’ and was co-developed by Asahi with local tech developer Cogent Labs.
“Asahi has ownership of the AI Creator System, and we are currently installing graphics and package samples into the system so that it can learn even more about package designs,” Asahi PR Manager Kristin Chiu told
Hop opportunity: Kirin subsidiary and Trinus co-develop vinegar drink containing matured hop extract Japan-based co-creation platform Trinus has co-developed a new vinegar drink brand called Hoplus with INHOP, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, containing matured hop extract.
Trinus works with Japanese manufacturers and brands to develop innovative products and launching it on its crowdfunding site to test interest. Hoplus will be manufactured by Saga Vinegar Co., Ltd, with matured hop extract sourced from INHOP.
Trinus had previously worked with Morinaga & Co on four new products, including a cheese snack and lozenges.
Under the Hoplus vinegar drink line (200mL), there are currently four variations, in yuzu, orange, peach and grape flavours. There is about 1.1g of matured hop extracts per 100mL of the drink.