On April 15, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) held a completion ceremony for its first POCARI SWEAT manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The ceremony was hosted by Otsuka's local subsidiary, Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Ho Chi Minh City; President and General Director: Kohei Oyamada). The new factory will produce POCARI SWEAT in 350ml and 500ml PET bottles.

POCARI SWEAT was launched in Japan in 1980 as a health drink to replenish electrolytes and ions lost through perspiration. In recent years, the brand has seen significant growth in international markets. Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2012, it has steadily expanded in line with the country's economic development and growing focus on health and wellness. To meet rising local health needs, ensure a stable supply through local production, and contribute to the community through job creation, Otsuka has established the Phu My Factory, the first POCARI SWEAT manufacturing facility in Vietnam.

Phu My also serves as an open factory -- a facility where the production site is opened to the public, allowing visitors to observe and experience manufacturing firsthand. It features an observation corridor with educational displays highlighting the importance of fluid and electrolyte intake and the benefits of ion-based beverages. Designed with environmental considerations in mind, the facility incorporates insulated exterior walls to reduce cooling loads, manufactures PET bottles using recycled PET resin, and adopts a positive-pressure aseptic filling process that also enables lighter packaging.

In Vietnam, where temperatures in many regions can exceed 40°C, Otsuka will continue raising awareness of proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment as part of its health solution approach to the global environment, one of the social issues it prioritizes.

• About Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co., Ltd.　

  Website：https://www.pocarisweat.com.vn/en/about-company
  

Otsuka began operations in Vietnam in 2012 with the establishment of Otsuka Thang Nutrition Co., Ltd, a joint venture focused on functional beverages and foods. The company initially sold POCARI SWEAT imported from Indonesia. In 2024, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka and was renamed Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Company Name	Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Established	November 6, 2012
Capital	USD 74 million
Representative	President and General Director: Kohei Oyamada
Head Office	6th Floor, An Khanh Building, No.63 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Employees	482 (as of April 1, 2025)
Business Description	Manufacture, import, and sale of food and beverages

About the Phu My Factory

Name	Phu My Factory
Location	Lot F6, D3 Street, Phu My 3 Specialized Industrial Park, Phuoc Hoa Ward, Phu My Town, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam.
Site Area	50,000 m²
Structure	Reinforced concrete (partial steel frame) Total Floor Area: 34,547.59 m² Building Area: 30,984.79 m²
Products Manufactured	POCARI SWEAT 350ml and 500ml PET bottles
Construction Started	September 12, 2023
Completion Date	April 15, 2025
Start of Operations	Scheduled for April 2025
Employees	81 (as of April 1, 2025)
Factory Manager	Sandhi Anggoro Hastono

【About POCARI SWEAT】

POCARI SWEAT is a health drink that smoothly replenishes water and ions (electrolytes) lost through sweat. Developed using medical expertise gained through Otsuka's healthcare business, it was inspired by the concept of a "drinkable IV". Its composition closely mirrors body fluids, meaning it can be rapidly absorbed, and provides long-lasting hydration.

Since its launch in Japan in 1980, Otsuka has continued to study the impact of fluid and electrolyte replenishment on the body. These efforts have uncovered scientific evidence supporting the drink's usefulness not only during perspiration from sports or labor in hot conditions but also in everyday situations, such as during dry winter months or after bathing.

POCARI SWEAT began overseas expansion in 1982 and is now available in more than 20 countries and regions. By addressing diverse health challenges through initiatives rooted in local cultures and customs, the brand has steadily grown. Since 2021, sales volume outside Japan has surpassed domestic sales, further accelerating its development as a global brand.

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide,' Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.