Kumesen Awamori (Kumejima no Kumesen)

Kumesen · Okinawa (Kumejima)
Alcohol Awamori Alcohol Emerging

A Kumejima distillery noted for active export-market development in Taiwan and the US (carried by Okinawa Blue Oceans Food LLC). It invested in advanced fermentation in 2024 to meet rising global demand, making it one of the more export-forward awamori brands.

The supplierKumejima no Kumesen (Kume Island, Okinawa), founded 1949 (as Nakazato Shuzo; renamed 1993); one of the prefecture's top awamori producers by volume, using Kumejima's prized spring water. Growing export via specialty importers; moderate English/B2B readiness.
Why it sells abroadKumejima island awamori made with famed sweet spring water; high production volume with strong quality reputation; authentic Ryukyu spirit story

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsRyukyu Awamori GI (confirmed) — registered GI 'Ryukyu' (Japan NTA, June 1995; WTO-protected), reserved for single-distilled rice spirit produced in Okinawa with Okinawa-grown black-koji rice. Kumesen (Kumejima, Okinawa) qualifies. HACCP not separately published — restate as unverified.
Pack formats720ml, 600ml/1.8L; 40% ABV and standard 30/25% expressions — keep as estimate.
Shelf lifeIndefinite — awamori (esp. kusu) is designed to age; no expiry.
StorageCool, dark; no refrigeration; long-term aging acceptable.
Minimum orderTypical: 1 case via specialty importer; FCL direct for distributor accounts
Lead timeTypical: 2–4 weeks ex-works + 4–6 weeks ocean
CapacityHigh for the category — among Okinawa's top awamori producers by volume
Container loadTypical: ~1,000 cases (720ml ×12) per 20ft
PricingEstimate: mid-to-premium spirit; FOB ~USD 14–28/720ml wholesale equivalent
OEM / private labelNot publicly documented. Unverified.
Wholesale & MOQVia Okinawa Blue Oceans Food LLC (US) + Okinawa export desks; case MOQ.
Key exporters & distributorsOkinawa Blue Oceans Food LLC, specialist importers
Export regulationDistilled-spirit import: US TTB/COLA + state tier; EU excise + labeling; small-lot niche handling.
Market demandRising niche global awamori interest; pull in US/Taiwan/HK/China specialty spirits and Japanese/Okinawan dining channels
How to source itSpecialty importers (e.g. Wismettac); Okinawa awamori export promotion / Ryukyu Awamori association; JETRO Discover Shochu.
Verified sourceshttps://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/liquor_administration/02_04.htm; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awamori
MakerKumesen Syuzo Co., Ltd.
OriginOkinawa (Kumejima)
CategoryAlcohol / Awamori
Available inUnited States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessEmerging
HS code2208.90
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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.