TORRANCE, Calif. — Grocery chains Fry's (The Kroger Co.), AJ's Fine Foods (Bashas') and Albertsons are now selling probiotic dairy beverage Yakult(R) in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Yakult, an international favorite created by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota in 1935, can be found in the refrigerated dairy section of these popular local stores at an affordable price. Sold as a 5-pack, each 2.7 fluid ounce bottle contains around 8 billion live and active probiotics called Lactobacillus casei Shirota, which is exclusive to Yakult products. Drinking one small bottle daily may have health benefits, such as balancing the body's digestive system and boosting natural defenses. Last September, Yakult crossed into mainstream grocery stores in Southern California and has since expanded its southwest distribution. To find store locations and product information, consumers can visit Yakult's recently launched website www.yakultusa.com.
"The benefits of probiotics have been known and studied for years," says Mr. Masaaki Sunami, Commercial Director of Yakult U.S.A. "Our main priority is educating people accurately about the health benefits, while providing a high- quality product produced by a trusted company."
Arizonians can expect to see heavy in-store demos in the next few months at participating Fry's, AJ's Fine Foods and Albertsons stores. Trained Yakult representatives will provide free samples and answer common consumer questions, such as "what are probiotics?" and "how many should I have each day?" or "how is it different than yogurt?"
"Establishing great rapport with consumers is key to Yakult's success around the world," adds Vice President and C.O.O. Mr. Teruo Tabuchi. Since Yakult's general market rollout in 2007, the company has passed out hundreds of thousands of free samples of the citrus-flavored drink while educating people about the health benefits of probiotics.
Yakult(R) is the world's leading probiotic beverage and is sold in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. Yakult U.S.A. Inc. is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. and is headquartered in Torrance, CA. It supports Yakult's business in the United States and Canada. Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. was established in Japan in 1955 and is regarded as the world's pioneer of probiotics. The quality of Yakult is supported by more than 70 years of scientific research. Scientists all over the world continue to confirm and expand knowledge regarding the benefits of probiotics and Yakult.
Source: Yakult U.S.A. Inc.
