In cooperation with a packaging partner, Japanese drinks manufacturer Asahi has developed a new type of drinks can that contains a real slice of lemon for the first time. The innovation was launched on the Japanese market in June - initially as a limited special edition.
In Japan, drinks giant Asahi has unveiled an unusual packaging solution that is causing a stir: a drinks can with a real slice of lemon. The novelty is part of a limited edition of "Slat Lemon Sour" - an alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage with an alcohol content of just 3 %. This unusual concept was made possible by a specially developed technical solution that allows a fresh slice of lemon to be inserted directly into the can filling.
Sophisticated realisation
According to the company, the technical realisation posed a number of challenges. For example, the lemon slice not only had to be inserted into the can in a stable and secure manner, it also had to retain its sensory properties under the preservation conditions. Special adaptations were also required for filling and sealing in the aluminium packaging.
The realisation was made possible by close cooperation with an unnamed packaging specialist, which, according to Asahi, has a patented technology. The company left open whether the innovation will also be used for other products or outside Japan in the future.
Limited edition market launch
Initially, the can with a lemon slice will only be available as a limited special edition. The product is available in 340-millilitre cans and is primarily intended to provide new impetus in the highly competitive market for RTD (ready-to-drink) drinks. These ready-to-drink beverages with alcohol are on the rise both in Japan and internationally - particularly among a young target group looking for a variety of flavours and new designs.
Background: Innovations in beverage cans
The use of real fruit ingredients in beverage cans has been a rarity to date. In addition to the technical production hurdles, regulatory issues - such as hygiene and shelf life - are also considered to be the reason why such solutions have hardly been able to establish themselves to date. However, Asahi's current development shows that there is still considerable potential for innovation in the combination of contents and packaging - especially for highly competitive consumer goods.
