Yatsushiro OEM Gelato
【OEM Gelato】A New Harmony of Tomato, Banpeiyu Citrus, Igusa Rush, and Ginger
At "CROSS FOOD LAB" within the Kawasaki Hokubu Market, we develop and manufacture our own products while actively taking on OEM manufacturing requests from corporations, local governments, and individual clients. Driven by our core value of maximizing the natural charm of ingredients to deliver new value, we have recently partnered with Yatsushiro City in Kumamoto Prefecture. This collaboration gelato, crafted by deeply engaging with the region's highly unique ingredients, is finally nearing completion.
Located almost in the center of Kyushu, Yatsushiro City is a nature-rich region with a beautifully balanced landscape of seas, mountains, and plains. Blessed with the calm Yatsushiro Sea and fertile soils, it has historically thrived as a hub for culture and industry. The historic streets, idyllic countryside, and seasonal blessings gently soothe the hearts of visitors. Above all, its agricultural abundance is recognized nationwide, cultivating numerous flavors unique to this land.
For this project, we focused on four ingredients that symbolize Yatsushiro's charm: tomato, banpeiyu citrus, igusa (rush grass), and ginger. Notably, Yatsushiro is renowned as one of Japan's leading tomato producers. The yellow cherry tomatoes grown in the reclaimed land's mineral-rich soil are characterized by high sweetness and thin, tender skin—tasting almost like a fruit. This juiciness and delicate sweetness stand out even more when transformed into gelato.
Additionally, the banpeiyu citrus—cherished as a winter delicacy—is one of the world's largest citrus fruits, measuring about 20 cm in diameter and weighing over 1.8 kg, earning it a Guinness World Record. The Yatsushiro area accounts for approximately 90% of its national production, and its refreshing aroma and elegant sweet-and-sour flavor are highly acclaimed, often making it a prized gift. Crafted into gelato, its brilliant fragrance fills the mouth for a truly luxurious taste.Furthermore, Yatsushiro City is known as the top producer of igusa in Japan. Beyond its use as the raw material for tatami mats, igusa is drawing attention as a "Japanese superfood" and is utilized in food products when processed into powder. Rich in dietary fiber and folic acid, it features a refreshing, gentle sweetness akin to matcha, without any bitterness. We have expressed this as a new delicious experience using specially selected igusa cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
To spearhead development, Chef Fukushima of MOSS CROSS TOKYO (who stepped into the role of chef at sister restaurant OTCO this March) and our company representative, Mr. Inoue, personally visited Yatsushiro City. Through direct dialogue with local producers, they deepened their understanding by connecting with the background and passion behind each ingredient. By visiting the fields and processing sites to feel the local air, temperature, and the growers' enthusiasm, they aimed to translate these into the gelato not just as simple ingredients, but as a "story."
After countless rounds of prototyping and tastings, three gelato flavors were perfected: "Yellow Tomato & Ginger," "Banpeiyu Citrus & Honey," and "Igusa & Mascarpone Tiramisu." The first pairs the fruity sweetness of tomato with a sharp, refreshing accent of ginger; the second harmonizes the brilliant aroma of banpeiyu with the rich depth of honey for an elegant flavor; and the third features a new-sensation tiramisu style where the gentle flavor of igusa melts together with rich mascarpone. While each possesses its own distinct personality, they all beautifully encapsulate the charms of Yatsushiro.
Currently, we are in the final adjustment phase for commercialization and are preparing for the upcoming launch. This project sincerely engages with local ingredients to deliver their value in a new form. The day you can enjoy these special flavors, alongside the scenery of Yatsushiro expanding with every bite, is just around the corner.
This initiative was also featured on Asahi Broadcasting’s Tabi Salad PLUS.
