Taste the SDGs! SUNNY SIDE UP Hosts In-House Tasting Event for Miyoshi Oil Fat’s Plant-Based Edible Oil “botanova”
Hello. I’m Hasegawa from the Sports Division, Public Relations Business Headquarters.
Today, I would like to introduce Miyoshi Oil Fat’s new plant-based oil brand “botanova,” which I am in charge of. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
First, are you familiar with “plant-based foods”?
According to a survey conducted by Miyoshi Oil Fat in November 2021, awareness of plant-based foods exceeded 70%.
However, while awareness is gradually increasing, 56% of respondents—a majority—have “never eaten” plant-based foods.
So why is plant-based attracting attention now?
There are three major reasons.
1. For the development of a sustainable society with consideration for the environment
The amount of carbon dioxide and water emitted when growing plants is far less than that emitted by the livestock industry, resulting in a lower environmental impact.
With the growing momentum toward the SDGs, contributing to the development of a sustainable society is one of the reasons plant-based is attracting attention.
“botanova” was also developed as a brand that contributes to solving environmental and social issues in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three brand products—”Plant Deliciousness Butter Flavor,” “Plant Deliciousness Lard Flavor,” and “Plant Deliciousness Beef Tallow Flavor”—have all obtained vegan certification and use RSPO-certified oil.
2. Concerns about food shortages
While it may be difficult to notice living in Japan, global food demand is increasing year by year. The reasons include “world population growth,” “increased demand for livestock products due to rising incomes,” “rapid economic development in China and elsewhere,” and “increased demand for agricultural products for biofuels,” among others. Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website
Furthermore, the world population is expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050*, and with rising incomes due to development in China and India, demand for meat and other products is also increasing. While livestock production requires large amounts of grain, there are many uncertainties such as global warming, resource depletion, and soil degradation, and supply is currently unable to keep up with demand due to various factors. *Source: United Nations Information Centre
3. Growing health consciousness
As we move toward a 100-year lifespan era, health consciousness continues to rise.
Plant-based foods are attracting widespread attention, not only among health-conscious individuals, as many products offer benefits such as lower fat, lower calories, and lower cholesterol compared to animal-based foods.
“botanova” is significantly lower in cholesterol and healthier compared to animal-based fats. It also contains less trans fatty acids.
Source: Miyoshi Oil Fat research
Furthermore, plant-based is attracting attention from an animal welfare perspective. Against this background, the plant-based market is expected to continue growing.
Now, regarding the “botanova” tasting event held in-house at SUNNY SIDE UP, we conducted a comparison tasting of three types: white sauce made with “Plant Deliciousness Butter Flavor,” dumplings made with “Plant Deliciousness Lard Flavor,” and curry made with “Plant Deliciousness Beef Tallow Flavor,” against versions made with flavorless and odorless rapeseed oil.
About tasting events…
An event where restaurants and food/beverage brands invite media representatives and influencers to sample products, typically held to commemorate new product launches.
The tasting event was held three times, centered on sales staff in charge of PR for restaurants and hotels. Approximately 20 people participated.
At the beginning, a marketing representative from Miyoshi Oil Fat provided an explanation about botanova.
After deepening our understanding of the products, it was finally time to taste.
We carefully savored the aroma and flavor.
Many participants had the impression that “plant-based foods probably aren’t that delicious,” but they couldn’t hide their surprise at the quality of “botanova.” Approximately 70% felt a gap—in a good way.
In particular, a common impression across all three types was that they “had depth of flavor.” Many commented that while they expected plant-based foods to be light, the rich depth they experienced made the taste more profound and even more delicious.
Questions were also exchanged so that we could better convey the appeal of botanova to our clients. Going forward, staff in charge of each project will serve as a bridge to connect Miyoshi Oil Fat with our customers.
At SUNNY SIDE UP, we not only handle product PR but also work on projects that connect clients and facilitate collaborations.
■About Miyoshi Oil Fat Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1921, this long-established company manufactures and sells edible processed oils and fats, industrial oils and fats, and more.
In particular, for edible oils and fats, the company manufactures approximately 1,000 types of products including margarine, shortening, lard, and whipped cream, boasting top-class production volume in Japan.
■About botanova
The meaning behind the name
The name is created by combining “botanical,” representing “plants,” and “nova,” meaning “new.” It expresses Miyoshi Oil Fat’s determination to pioneer new culinary frontiers with plant-based products.
“botanova” products contribute to SDGs “13. Climate Action” and “15. Life on Land.”
By offering “botanova” products that use plant-based ingredients instead of animal-based ingredients, we contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
By using certified oil from the “Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO),” of which we are a member, in “botanova” products, we are committed to environmental conservation and animal protection.
The three “botanova” brand products—”Plant Deliciousness Butter Flavor,” “Plant Deliciousness Lard Flavor,” and “Plant Deliciousness Beef Tallow Flavor”—contribute to SDGs “13. Climate Action” and “15. Life on Land.” They have also obtained vegan certification and use RSPO-certified oil.
About Vegan Certification
“botanova” products meet the standards established by NPO Vege Project Japan and are granted the vegan certification mark. We have confirmed that the ingredients do not contain any animal-derived materials such as meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, or honey.
*Products containing animal-based ingredients are also manufactured using the same production equipment.
About RSPO Certification
“botanova” products use RSPO-certified oil. The “Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)” is a non-profit organization composed of seven stakeholders regarding sustainable oil palm products. By using RSPO-certified oil, we contribute to the production of sustainable palm oil.
■Survey Overview
Target respondents: Men and women aged 20–79 nationwide, regardless of marital status
Respondent attributes: Male: Female = 48.3:50.6
Survey method: Online survey
Survey period: November 15, 2021–November 17, 2021
Valid responses: 2,155
