Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Nutraceuticals
February 28, 2006

A new portable form of soybeans FRUIT SOY BAR “SOYJOY” To be released on April 3

FRUIT SOY BAR "SOYJOY"

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President, Tatsuo Higuchi; Phone: +81-3-3292-0021) will release a new type of nutrition food, "SOYJOY," nationwide on April 3. "SOYJOY" is a bar-shaped baked product possessing "the healthy aspects of soybeans" and "the good taste of fruit."

"SOYJOY" is available in 4 flavors: raisin & almond, cacao & orange, apricot, and hawthorn.

"SOYJOY" is a new type of nutrition food, produced by the baking of a dough made of whole soybean powder*, instead of wheat flour, with the addition of abundant amounts of fruit.

"SOYJOY," made of whole soybeans, allows the consumption of all the nutrients of soybeans, such as soybean proteins, soybean isoflavone and dietary fibers, in a natural form. The abundant use of dry fruit provides the natural sweetness of fruit, making the taste natural and good.

  • * Hulled soybeans are used.

"SOYJOY" Raisin & Almond

A dough characterized by the natural sweetness of soybeans is crammed with 4 types of dry fruit (raisins, cranberries, pineapples and papayas) and sliced almonds. It has a slight rum flavor, which complements the raisins within (it contains no alcohol).

"SOYJOY" Cacao & Orange

To a soybean powder-based dough, incorporating rich-flavored cacao powder, cacao mass and chocolate chips are added, giving the product great flavor. The orange peel serves as an accent to the taste, providing an "adult" flavor.

"SOYJOY" Apricot

To a dough characterized by the natural sweetness of soybeans, abundant amounts of freshly-soured apricots and papayas are added. The fruity flavor of the apricots explodes in the mouth.

"SOYJOY" Hawthorn**

To a soybean powder-based dough, incorporating a jam of azuki beans, abundant amounts of wholesome hawthorns and wolfberry fruit are added. It features a slightly sweet-and-sour taste with refinement.

  • ** Hawthorn: A deciduous tree of Rosaceae originated in the northern part of China. It blooms with white flowers in spring, and bears fruit that look like miniature apples in autumn. It is used not only for culinary purposes, but also for medicinal purposes.

"SOYJOY" was developed based on the concept, "To deliver the good taste and delight of blessings from soybeans." The name of the product is a combination of "Soy from soybeans" and "Joy meaning good taste and delight."

"SOYJOY" proposes a sophisticated dietary habit as a portable food product providing a relaxing effect in a busy work setting as well as in a tea-time setting, providing both nutrition and good taste at any time and anywhere.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will contribute to the health of people worldwide, with the corporate philosophy, "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide."

Product characteristics of "SOYJOY"

  1. It is a bar-shaped nutrition food that allows the consumption of all the nutrients of soybeans.
  2. It is a portable product and can be eaten at any time and anywhere.
  3. It is tasty due to the abundant amount of dry fruit contained within.
  4. The product is available in 4 fruit flavors.
  5. The package comes in 4 colors - a colorful design cheers you up when choosing flavors.

Development and future strategies for "SOYJOY"

The healthy aspects of soybeans, such as soybean proteins, soybean isoflavone and dietary fibers, have been gaining attention. Since the start of marketing of "Sugoi Daizu," a beverage containing whole soybeans, in 2002, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has been listening to the voices of consumers who have realized the magnificent power of soybeans through "Sugoi Daizu." Under such circumstances, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has attempted to meet the needs of consumers better by developing commodities that allow consumers to easily consume soybeans. "SOYJOY" is a product developed based on the desire that consumers can consume tasty soybeans at any time and anywhere.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has started a project to construct a new model of the nutraceutical business in a framework that encompasses three countries with the different cultures and histories (Japan, the U.S. and China). Based on unique ideas and from the global standpoint, a new brand will be established boldly and speedily to meet a universal desire for "health."

"SOYJOY" is regarded as the first commodity produced under the U.S.-China-Japan joint project concept of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Summary of product characteristics

Name of commoditySOYJOY
Raisin & Almond
SOYJOY
Cacao & Orange
SOYJOY
Apricot
SOYJOY
Hawthorn
Name Confectionery Confectionery Confectionery Confectionery
Raw materials Soybean powder (genetically unmodified), raisins, sugar, butter, almonds, eggs, indigestible dextrin, cranberries, papayas, pineapples, cacao mass, salt, cheese, baking powder, and aromatics Soybean powder (genetically unmodified), raisins, butter, sugar, eggs, indigestible dextrin, cacao mass, orange peel, pineapples, almonds, chocolate, glucose-fructose syrup, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and aromatics Soybean powder (genetically unmodified), raisins, butter, sugar, eggs, apricots, indigestible dextrin, almonds, papayas, skimmed milk, salt, baking powder, and aromatics Soybean powder (genetically unmodified), raisins, sugar, butter, hawthorn, wolfberry fruit, bean jam, indigestible dextrin, eggs, salt, baking powder, and aromatics
Content 1 bar (30 g)
Outer package 1 bar (30 g) x 12 x 4= 1 case
Desirable retail prices
(Not including tax)
115 yen
Storage conditions Store in a cool place, avoiding high temperatures.
Expiry 8 months from the manufacturing date

Nutrition labeling Per bar (30 g)

Name of commodityUnitSOYJOY
Raisin & Almond
SOYJOY
Cacao & Orange
SOYJOY
Apricot
SOYJOY
Hawthorn
Energykcal 136 133 131 126
Proteing 4.5 4.5 4.8 4.1
Fatg 7.2 6.9 6.7 5.5
Carbohydrateg 11.7 11.8 11.6 13.7
Fiberg 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.2
Sodiummg 40~87 47~102 44~94 45~97
Soybean isoflavonemg 19 19 22 19