On January 27, 2026, a special milk beverage will debut at FamilyMart stores nationwide. FamilyMart is Japan’s indispensable 24-hour convenience store. The new product is called “Meito × Nippon Yell Ibaraki Melon Latte.” While many lattes line the shelves, this one has a special story.It’s not just another “melon-flavored drink.” It carries deep meaning, connecting Japanese agriculture to our dining tables. This product was developed through collaboration between Kyodo Milk Industry’s “Meito” brand, the “Nippon Yell” project run by the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zen-Noh), and FamilyMart. It offers everyone the experience of enjoying a sweet latte while thinking about Japan’s production regions.
The Appeal and Details of the Ibaraki Melon Latte
The product featured here is the “Mateo × Nippon Yell Ibaraki Melon Latte,” manufactured by Kyodo Milk Industry Co., Ltd. and sold exclusively at FamilyMart. The packaging features a large melon illustration and the “Nippon Yell” logo. Look for this logo.This product launches on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. It will be available at FamilyMart stores nationwide in Japan, excluding the South Kyushu and Okinawa regions. Sales will begin sequentially at approximately 15,600 stores.
The price is 198 yen (tax included). This is a very affordable price point. The volume is 500ml (approximately 16.9 fluid ounces). It’s a generous size for enjoying.It’s perfect for accompanying desk work or relaxing at home. The product category is milk beverage. Refrigeration is required (below 10°C). Calories are 121kcal per 200ml (approx. 6.8 fl oz). The entire 500ml pack provides a satisfying feeling. It works well as a snack substitute or for a quick energy boost when you’re a little hungry.
The standout feature of this product, as its name suggests, is the use of “melons from Ibaraki Prefecture.” Specifically, it uses juice from the “Andes Melon” grown in Ibaraki. It blends the melon’s rich, natural aroma with the smooth, mellow richness of milk. The result is a pleasant drinking experience with a gentle sweetness. It’s manufactured by Kyodo Milk Industry, known for the Meito brand. Consequently, the balance between milk and fruit juice is exceptionally well-crafted.
Andes Melon isn’t from South America? The Japanese wordplay hidden in its name
Let’s explain the “Andes Melon” variety used here. Do you know the origin of its name? Many might assume it comes from the Andes Mountains in South America. However, this is a variety born in Japan.
The Andes Melon was developed in Japan in 1977. Its name embodies the wish for producers to “produce with peace of mind,” distributors to “sell with peace of mind,” and consumers to “buy with peace of mind.” It signifies the desire to deliver “peace of mind (Anshin)” to everyone involved. Initially, there were even plans to market it as “Anshin-desu Melon” (Peace of Mind Melon).
But then, an interesting twist was added. When eating melon, we remove the “core” (Shin) containing the seeds in the center. Drawing inspiration from this, the “Shin” was removed from the phrase “Anshin-desu” (meaning “It’s safe”). The result was naming it the “Andes” melon. This is a very witty Japanese pun.This approachable origin story has ensured its enduring popularity on Japanese dining tables for many years. The “Ibaraki Melon Latte” carries on this spirit of “assurance.”
Nippon Yell’s Challenge to Reduce Food Loss
This product is more than just a new beverage. Its development carries significant social meaning. It was created through collaboration between FamilyMart, JA Zen-Noh, and Kyodo Milk Industry. “Nippon Yell” is a project concepted around “cheering for Japanese food.” It aims to increase consumption of domestically produced agricultural and livestock products.
The product’s major themes are “the reassurance of using domestic fruit” and “reducing food loss (food waste).” Fruit production, especially for melons and other tree fruits, is a battle against nature. Weather conditions like temperature, rainfall, and sunlight hours greatly affect the quality of the fruit. In recent years, unpredictable weather changes have become frequent, including sudden heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and abnormally high summer temperatures.
Under such harsh conditions, fruits inevitably develop imperfections—poor shape or surface blemishes—even if their flavor is excellent. These fruits fail to meet market standards and cannot be shipped. With nowhere to go, they are simply discarded. This is “food loss.” For farmers who have nurtured their crops with care, this represents a significant economic blow.Therefore, we actively use fruit that cannot enter the market for processing and turn it into products. This supports producers and contributes to reducing food loss. This is the true purpose of this product. When we drink one of these lattes, it indirectly supports melon farmers in Ibaraki Prefecture. Thinking about this makes the flavor feel even more profound.
The Current State of Ibaraki’s Melon Fields and a Cup for the Future
Ibaraki Prefecture is renowned as one of Japan’s leading melon-producing regions. However, the situation on the ground is far from optimistic. Beyond the impact of climate change on quality, there are also sad reports of melons being stolen just before harvest. Faced with such risks and hardships, more farmers are switching to vegetable cultivation. As a result, the area dedicated to growing Ibaraki melons is decreasing year by year.
Contrary to the origin of the Andes Melon brand, which promises “peace of mind for growers,” “peace of mind for sellers,” and “peace of mind for buyers,” it has become difficult for producers to continue farming with that same peace of mind. This is precisely why collaborations like this one, involving a major convenience store chain and a dairy manufacturer, are so important. Creating a system to deliver the melons to consumers, even if it means changing the form, holds significant meaning.
Since its founding, Kyodo Milk Industry has championed “the symbiosis of dairy farming and the dairy industry.” It is a company that has walked alongside producers. Their collaboration with JA Zen-Noh to deliver the “Ibaraki Melon Latte” through the massive FamilyMart platform embodies a desire to protect the dwindling landscape of melon fields. It also carries deep respect for the producers who continue to cultivate delicious melons.
The Thought Behind the Gentle Sweetness
Please try the “Meito × Nippon Yell Ibaraki Melon Latte,” available starting January 27th. The gentle sweetness woven from Andes melon juice harmonizes with the richness of milk. Its taste soothes tired minds and bodies. It offers a satisfying 500ml size at an appealing price of just 198 yen.Look for it at your nearest FamilyMart after work or during your relaxing time on holidays.
When you pick up the package, imagine the melon fields of Ibaraki behind it.Picture the faces of the farmers who worked so hard to grow these melons. Just as the name Andes Melon comes from removing the core to ensure “peace of mind,” let’s set aside our worries and simply enjoy a delicious moment. That’s the best support we consumers can give. From late winter into spring, supporting Japanese agriculture with a sweet melon latte is a wonderful choice. If you’re interested, be sure to check the chilled beverage section at your local FamilyMart.
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