Yakult (Probiotic Cultured Drink)

Yakult · Japan (locally produced in many markets)
Beverages Functional Chilled Established export

The pioneering probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota, sold in ~40 countries since its first overseas operation (Taiwan, 1964). Available in the US/UK since 1994, with US production in Fountain Valley, CA (2014) and European facilities. Sold chilled in small daily-dose bottles; durable gut-health credibility, though cold-chain limits reach.

The supplierYakult Honsha Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) — global probiotic leader (L. casei Shirota), sold in 25+ countries, mostly LOCALLY PRODUCED via subsidiaries/JVs (e.g. US plant Fountain Valley CA since 2014). For importers: brand more often a local-production/JV opportunity than a Japan-export SKU. Strong English B2B, pharma-grade QA.
Why it sells abroadWorld's most recognized probiotic drink, clinically-backed Shirota strain, 20B+ CFU/65ml — functional-health authority and global brand trust.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHalal: CONFIRMED in certain markets — several overseas Yakult companies hold Halal certification (Yakult Original and Yakult Light halal-certified in some markets; NOT in Australia where not pursued). Plant/market-specific. FSSC 22000/ISO 22000/HACCP at dairy plants: not separately verified. Kosher: not verified (reported not kosher-certified). Clinically documented L. casei Shirota strain (confirmed science).
Pack formats65ml bottle in 5-bottle shrink multipacks; case ~x50-x60 bottles chilled. Yakult Light variant.
Shelf life~40 days chilled (live cultures).
StorageRefrigerated (cold chain required throughout).
Minimum orderTypical: local-DC pallet quantities (local production); cross-border import rare due to cold chain.
Lead timeLocal production = days; any import requires refrigerated logistics.
CapacityVery large; dedicated dairy plants per region.
Container loadRefrigerated reefer required if imported; typically not FCL-exported (local make).
PricingEstimate: ~US$3-5/5-pack retail; wholesale margin via local distributor.
OEM / private labelNo OEM (proprietary Shirota strain); local-production JV model instead.
Wholesale & MOQYakult national subsidiaries with own chilled distribution (often door-to-door + retail); local production reduces cross-border export.
Key exporters & distributorsYakult Honsha Co., Yakult U.S.A. Inc., Yakult Europe B.V.
Export regulationRequires refrigerated cold-chain. Probiotic strain/health claims tightly regulated (EU NHCR restricts 'probiotic' wording; US structure/function). Fermented-milk import/dairy rules; often locally manufactured to bypass cold-chain export. FDA dairy oversight (US).
Market demandSteady global gut-health growth; mainstream dairy-aisle in US/UK/NL/BE/AU/CA. Functional-wellness tailwind.
How to source itEngage Yakult regional subsidiary; local-production model. Not a typical Japan-export FCL item (cold chain).
Verified sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakult; https://www.yakult.com.au/faq/
MakerYakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
OriginJapan (locally produced in many markets)
CategoryBeverages / Functional
Available inUnited States, Canada, United Kingdom +3 more
HandlingChilled
Price tierMid
ChannelMass
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code0403 (fermented milk) / 2202.99
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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.