Hon-Mirin (True Sweet Rice Wine)

Various (e.g. Takara, Kawashima/Kawaishi, Hinode) · Japan
Seasonings Vinegar & Mirin Ambient Growing export

Genuine fermented sweet rice wine (~14% ABV) made by a 40-60 day mashing of glutinous rice, rice koji and shochu, giving dishes glossy sweetness and depth. Because of its alcohol content it is often handled as a liquor on import. The authentic, premium choice over reduced-alcohol substitutes.

The supplierJapanese mirin brewers — Takara Shuzo (founded 1842, major sake/mirin producer with US ops via Takara Sake USA, Berkeley CA), Hinode, and regional makers. Established export track records; English B2B via trading arms. Hon-mirin contains ~14% alcohol (licensing/duty implications for import).
Why it sells abroadAuthentic ~14% alcohol traditionally brewed mirin — superior gloss, umami and glaze depth vs imitation; the genuine article for serious Japanese kitchens.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsFSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 / HACCP at major brewers (Takara). IMPORTANT: hon-mirin contains ~14% alcohol -> Halal NOT applicable / NOT certifiable (confirmed: Takara Mirin not halal; MUI does not certify alcoholic-type products). Kosher: not publicly verified for standard hon-mirin (some hon-mirin-style products carry kosher, but Takara hon-mirin kosher not confirmed). Requires alcohol import license overseas.
Pack formatsRetail: 300ml/500ml/1L/1.8L glass & PET. Foodservice: 1.8L x6/case; 18-20L bulk.
Shelf life18-24 months unopened (alcohol aids stability).
StorageCool, dark place; alcohol-stabilized.
Minimum orderTypical: importer pallet; FCL ex-Japan. Note alcohol import licensing required.
Lead timeTypical: 6-10 weeks ex-Japan (plus alcohol-license clearance).
CapacityHigh (Takara and regional brewers).
Container loadTypical: ~18-20 pallets per 20ft.
PricingEstimate: $3-7/L wholesale (higher with alcohol duty); confirm via brewer.
OEM / private labelOEM/private-label and bulk hon-mirin supply available from major brewers (Takara; category norm).
Wholesale & MOQLicensed alcohol/beverage importers + specialty Japanese-food distributors (Takara/Foodex network); MOQ per liquor-import case.
Key exporters & distributorsTakara Shuzo / Foodex, licensed alcohol importers, Mutual Trading (licensed)
Export regulation~14% ABV → treated as an alcoholic beverage in many import regimes: liquor licensing/excise duty, age-gated retail, restricted/banned in alcohol-prohibition markets. Requires alcohol-import channel.
Market demandGrowing in authentic Japanese/fusion foodservice and gourmet retail; alcohol-licensing limits some retail channels but premium chefs demand it.
How to source itDirect via Takara Sake USA (Berkeley) / Takara Shuzo export / regional brewers via importers (must hold alcohol import license); JETRO, FOODEX.
Verified sourceshttps://fooddiversity.today/en/article_90144.html; https://halalmui.org/en/this-is-the-reason-sake-and-mirin-haram-2/
MakerJapanese mirin brewers (Takara Shuzo, regional)
OriginJapan
CategorySeasonings / Vinegar & Mirin
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Germany +3 more
HandlingAmbient
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code2206.00
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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.