Yakult US has signed a deal to sell its namesake probiotic brand in more than 200 Safeway grocery stores in northern California.

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The agreement, announced on Friday (6 February), also includes over 100 Safeway stores in Arizona and Hawaii, the latter of which is new territory for Yakult.


The probiotic beverage containing ‘around 8 billion live and active probiotics’ per 2.7 fluid ounce bottle is available as a five-pack and is being introduced at US$2.99.


“Initially retailers were hesitant to bring on Yakult because it was an unknown brand name in the US,” said Marjorie Yamat, national key account manager for Yakult US. “Now our retailers tell us they can’t keep up with the consumer demand of our product.”


Yakult is available in around 30 countries. Yakult US is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha Co., and is headquartered in Torrance, California.

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