Lotte Ventures Japan has invested in RiceWine Co., Ltd., the producer of the innovative sake brand 'HINEMOS,' to support its growth and international expansion in the evolving sake industry.

Target Information

The investment was made in RiceWine Co., Ltd., a company that produces and sells the Japanese sake brand 'HINEMOS.' Founded in 2018, RiceWine launched 'HINEMOS' in 2019 under the brand concept of 'sake that accompanies time.' This concept was born from the founders' experiences in navigating the overwhelming choices of sake, aiming to simplify the selection process for consumers. RiceWine has successfully sold over 150,000 bottles through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) model via an e-commerce site and pop-up stores.

RiceWine distinguishes itself through innovative product development and branding, tailored to the tastes that match various times of the day, resulting in significant growth in sales. The company actively gathers and implements customer feedback to develop limited-edition products that cater to specific situations. In 2021, they renovated their cold storage facilities, establishing a system for 'seasonal brewing' while fundamentally enhancing their production processes for greater efficiency. They are currently expanding their market reach beyond Japan to countries including China and Taiwan, with the mission of 'changing the everyday life of the world with sake.'

Industry Overview in Japan

The sake industry in Japan is historically significant, yet it has faced various challenges due to changing consumer preferences and demographic shifts. The younger generation has shown a preference for alternative alcoholic bev