Although blueberry
products continue to hit the market, including yogurts, juice drinks
and confectionery, there is evidence that pomegranate is taking
over as the top fruit. Pomegranate is believed to have benefits,
especially to women's health issues, thanks to its estrogen content.
Among the recent launches are Zakuro Roll from Dai Ichiya, a soft
sweet roll filled with pomegranate and whipped cream, and Oen Sanka
juice drink from Sapporo, which contains prune, blueberry and pomegranate
juice.
In the Japanese confectionery
market, Pola Foods has added an anthocyanin-rich blueberry sweet
to the Post Pet range, while Asahi Pharmaceuticals has introduced
Cool Dental Candy, a functional soft candy containing xylitol and
apple polyphenol.