Yakult, the famous Japanese probiotic drink, is the perfect example of how an invention turned into a commercial success. Invented in 1936 by microbiologist Minoru Shirota, the product has gained popularity worldwide. The product is sold by Tokyo based Yakult Honsha, which is known for its innovative marketing ideas. The Company is now worth $ 10 billion, making it one of the biggest food companies in the world. Here are some unknown facts about Yakult.
Unknown facts about Yakult
1) The meaning of Yakult is yogurt. The word is derived from the word ‘jahurto,’ which means yogurt in Esperanto, a language created by L.L. Zamenhof in 1887.
2) Despite being a famous and successful brand, the bottle of Yakult is intentionally kept small by the Company. According to the Company, the reason behind such a small bottle size is, the drink is meant to be consumed immediately and not be stored for a long time.
3) Yakult Honsha employs women known as “Yakult Aunties,” who go from door to door, selling the Company’s products. As women channel natural empathy towards family, the Company prefers marketing their products this way, despite having means to other marketing strategies.
4) Apart from health drinks, Yakult Honsha also sells instant noodles, pharmaceuticals and beauty products, all of which are meant to fight cancer cells.
5) Yakult is available in the same flavor in every country except one. People in Singapore have access to three kinds of flavors—grape, apple and orange. Moreover, the size of the Yakult bottle also changes in different countries.
6) Yakult manufactures a moisturizer called Yakult PARABIO AC Moisturizing Cream, which is priced at $ 1,000 per bottle.
7) There are various types of Yakult sold exclusively in Japan, each meant for a different organ of the body. The Company’s Joie drink is intended to keep the large intestine healthy, while the regular version of Yakult is meant for protecting the small intestine.
Which of these unknown facts about Yakult surprised you the most? Comment below and let us know.