Calpico (Cultured Soft Drink, RTD & Concentrate)

Calpico (Calpis) · Japan
Beverages Soft Drink Ambient Established export

A sweet-tangy cultured-milk (lactic-fermented) soft drink, sold in Japan as Calpis and rebranded Calpico abroad. Over 100 years old and sold in 25+ countries, it comes as shelf-stable RTD and concentrate (dilute or mix). Its uniquely refreshing 'yogurt soda' profile gives it a distinct, loyal cross-border following and mixer potential.

The supplierAsahi Soft Drinks (Calpis Co., Ltd., subsidiary of Asahi Group) — Calpis is 100+ year-old brand, sold as Calpico for export in 25+ countries. US arm Calpis Beverage USA (Los Angeles, since 1991) distributes RTD + concentrate. Large listed-group backing; mature English B2B.
Why it sells abroadJapan's iconic 100-year cultured 'yogurt-soda' flavor; shelf-stable, kid-friendly, nostalgic — unique flavor differentiation and concentrate value format.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsFSSC 22000/HACCP/ISO 22000 at Asahi plants: not separately verified (company-level claim). Halal: NOT verified for standard dairy-based Calpico — only the separate 'Calpis made from soy milk' variant is halal-friendly. Standard Calpico (lactic-acid/dairy) should NOT be marked halal. Kosher: not publicly verified.
Pack formatsRTD PET 500ml x24/case and 16.9oz (500ml)/50.7oz (1.5L) export PET; concentrate 33.8oz (1L) bottle x12/case; canned in Asia.
Shelf life9-12 months RTD; concentrate longer (shelf-stable, no live cultures).
StorageAmbient; refrigerate after opening.
Minimum orderTypical: importer 50-100 cases; FCL direct.
Lead timeTypical: 30-60 days ex-Japan; US stock via LA faster.
CapacityLarge industrial (Asahi Group plants).
Container loadTypical: ~1,800-2,200 cases of 500ml×24 per 20ft.
PricingEstimate: ~US$1.00-1.50/500ml RTD; concentrate ~US$4-6/1L landed wholesale.
OEM / private labelNo brand OEM; private-label only via Asahi B2B (limited).
Wholesale & MOQCalpico USA + Asian-grocery distributors (JFC, Wismettac); case MOQ; concentrate for foodservice mixers.
Key exporters & distributorsAsahi Soft Drinks / Calpis Co., Calpico USA, JFC International
Export regulationShelf-stable so no dairy cold-chain; ingredient/sweetener and (cultured-milk) allergen declaration; FDA Prior Notice (US); EU additive/labeling. Health/probiotic claims constrained.
Market demandStrong and growing Asian-diaspora + mainstream curiosity demand US/UK/AU/SG/CA; concentrate popular in foodservice/boba.
How to source itAsahi Beverages America / Calpico USA (LA); Asahi export; Asian + mainstream distributors. FOODEX/JETRO.
Verified sourceshttps://asahibev.com/products/ready-to-drink-calpico/; https://fooddiversity.today/en/article_179288.html
MakerAsahi Soft Drinks (Calpis Co., Ltd.)
OriginJapan
CategoryBeverages / Soft Drink
Available inUnited States, Canada, United Kingdom +2 more
HandlingAmbient
Price tierMid
ChannelMass
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code2202.99
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.