Zojirushi Corp repurposes test rice into craft beer to reduce food waste

Zojirushi Corp, an Osaka-based appliance manufacturer, has successfully launched a craft beer line made from rice used during product testing. To ensure the performance of their rice cookers, the company cooks significant quantities of rice, resulting in approximately 30 tons of food waste annually. Previously used for compost, the company is now repurposing this rice into beer to reduce waste and create new value.

Following the 2023 launch of the first beer, ‘Hare to ho’, the company released a second variety in March called ‘Zo no mai’ (Elephant Dance). Produced by Echigo Beer Co. in Niigata, the beer is made by mixing the cooked test rice with hot water and malt, converting the rice starch into sugar. The beverage has a 4.5% alcohol content and a golden color.

Despite the project's success, with 100,000 cans of ‘Zo no mai’ sold in approximately six months, the company notes that only 5% of the 30 tons of annual test rice can currently be utilized for beer production.