Yakult probiotic drink

Yakult is an iconic probiotic fermented milk drink with a history dating back to 1930s Japan. It was developed by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota, who successfully cultured a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria known as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota. The first bottle was launched in 1935 with the goal of providing affordable preventive medicine to the masses, a philosophy now known as "Shirota-ism."

Today, Yakult has evolved into a global brand sold in over 40 countries and regions. To ensure freshness and meet high demand, the company follows a strategy of local production. Consequently, Yakult is manufactured in numerous countries, including Japan, the United States (with facilities in California and Georgia), the Netherlands, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines, among others.

The brand is owned and managed by Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., which remains a publicly traded independent Japanese multinational. While large food companies like Danone previously held significant stakes, Yakult Honsha maintains its own identity and diverse business interests, ranging from probiotics to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even a professional baseball team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.