JAPANESE beverage company Asahi Beverages has launched its entrant to the cultured milk segment — Goodday — promising “improved intestinal health and natural resistance,” according to a company statement.

“Goodday Cultured Milk contains a specially formulated strain of Paraprobiotics in every bottle — a proud development of Japanese technology in partnership with major dairy conglomerate Morinaga Milk Japan,” said Hemalatha Ragavan CEO of Asahi Beverages Philippines, in the release.

Cultured milk beverages are dairy foods that have been fermented with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Leuconostoc. Goodday is said to contain Paraprobiotics, specifically Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849, which makes the product shelf-stable so it does not need to be refrigerated.

Asahi decided not to use the name Calpis, as the cultured milk is commonly known in Japan, and instead used Goodday, the name it uses in Malaysia.

Goodday comes in three flavors — original, strawberry, and mango — which were chosen specifically for the Filipino palate, said Ms. Ragavan in a press conference on Dec. 10.

The milk comes in two sizes: in 80 ml (P9 SRP) and 350 ml bottles (P38 SRP). Goodday is currently available in 7-Eleven convenience stores.

This writer finds that Goodday tastes lighter than other cultured milk drinks (Yakult, et.al) — it is less sweet though the tang is still there. Also, the drink comes in a larger bottle so it’s more satisfying to drink. Goodday representatives explained during the press conference that the 80 ml bottle is meant for children and the 350 ml bottle is for adults.

“For us, product appeal is essential. So, leading up to the launch, we worked on variants with a taste profile catering to the Filipino palate, all while maintaining functionality that is relevant for every consumer,” Ms. Ragavan said. — ZB Chua

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR