Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Tokyko, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) has announced the establishment of Otsuka Nutraceutical Mexico S.A. de C.V. (Head office: Zapopan, Jalisco, United Mexican States; CEO: Tatsunobu Kondo), with the aim of developing the market for health beverages in Mexico.

As a comprehensive healthcare company, Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Otsuka) contributes to the health and wellbeing of people worldwide with innovative products ranging from pharmaceuticals to foods and beverages for everyday health. Reflecting extensive accumulated expertise in the pharmaceutical business, Otsuka continues to support solutions for various health-related concerns through development of functional food and beverage products based on scientific evidence.

In Mexico, trends indicate an increasing interest in healthy eating habits and incorporation of regular exercise into daily life. The market for beverages is expanding, with an attendant increase in demand for healthier beverages. The decision to enter the Mexican market is based on Otsuka's desire to contribute to health and well-being by promoting awareness of the benefits of consumption of POCARI SWEAT, positioned as a healthy beverage, as a daily fluid replenishment source.

Through establishment of this new subsidiary in Mexico, the land where the idea for the development of POCARI SWEAT was triggered, Otsuka aims to build the POCARI SWEAT brand and expand the market for functional beverages, while supporting solutions for local health concerns from the unique Otsuka Pharmaceutical perspective.

POCARISWEAT and Mexico

POCARI SWEAT was developed and launched in Japan in 1980, after an Otsuka researcher was hospitalized with diarrhea while on a business trip in Mexico, and subsequently suffered from dehydration. The local physician instructed him to rehydrate with carbonated soft drinks, leading him to wonder if there wasn't a more suitable beverage to quickly replenish lost electrolytes and water to the body. Also, he noticed that doctors would drink intravenous solution to refresh themselves after finishing surgery. With this as the inspiration, the idea to develop a "drinkable IV" was born. The product was developed around this concept, a beverage close to the composition of the body's natural fluids that would easily replace lost electrolytes and water. On seeing people exercising and perspiring more, Otsuka set their target on developing a healthy beverage that could be easily consumed as a part of daily life.

More details about the product is available at POCARI SWEAT Product story

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/two-core-usinesses/stories/pocarisweat/

About POCARI SWEAT

POCARI SWEAT was created in 1980 based on the concept of a rehydration drink to be consumed after sweating. Just two years after the Japan launch, POCARI SWEAT was launched overseas and is now available in over 20 countries and regions. It was developed through research on the body's water metabolism, and the best formula to replenish the water and electrolytes (ions) lost during perspiration. The aim was to design a beverage that could be easily consumed after activities where people were likely to sweat, such as sports, commuting, working outdoors, taking a hot bath, and even sleeping. The result - an original product based on scientific research, created an entirely new market in Japan. In the forty years since then, Otsuka has continued its research and accumulated scientific evidence demonstrating its effectiveness. The company also has continued to run awareness campaigns focused on the importance of replenishing water and electrolytes (ions) in various situations throughout the year.