Shima Drinks signs distribution agreement with Tazaki Foods

Shima Drinks, which claims to be the UK’s first canned saké spritz, has announced that it has signed a distribution deal agreement with Tazaki Foods Ltd to distribute their canned spritz range across the entire UK market.

Tazaki, founded in 1978 for the specific purpose of importing and distributing Japanese food and drink products in the UK, has grown to be a leading importer and wholesaler of traditional Japanese food and drink products in Europe. Tazaki supplies the Japanese restaurants, the food service sector and major supermarket chains throughout Europe.

Shima, launched in 2021, produces its beverages in the UK and looks to appeal to the numerous first time saké drinkers within that market. Noticing an underappreciation of saké in the UK market, they set about creating a drink that welcomes new drinkers into the saké category. Offering a new, innovative option to explore saké with ready to drink serves, the sparkling spritzes are light and refreshing, as well as naturally low in calories, gluten free, and vegan.

Shima co-founders, Hector Butler and Matt Brunault, commented: “We are incredibly excited and proud of our agreement with Tazaki. From the outset, this partnership made the most sense given the alignment in our mission and values. We are both looking to make saké in the UK as accessible and approachable as possible for our customers.

“Distribution is one of the most difficult agreements to achieve for a young drinks’ brand, and ultimately the most important. We look forward to working with the Tazaki team and supporting their efforts, not only for Shima but their wider drinks portfolio.”

Tazaki CEO, Ken Furukawa, added: “We are very excited and looking forward to working with Shima Drinks. Together, we hope we can create a new way to enjoy sake.”