Japanese snack manufacturers are trying to keep things fresh for loyal fans of their long-selling products, including through related merchandise and events.
Despite the risk that drastic revamps of such products will disappoint fans, an official at a major maker said, “We still need to keep creating a buzz.”
In March, Meiji released 3,500 units of wireless earbuds that resemble its iconic Kinoko no Yama chocolate snack, which has been around since 1975. Despite the not-so-cheap price tag of ¥29,800, the limited-edition product sold out within about 10 minutes of its release.