On 15 April, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Otsuka) held a completion ceremony for its first POCARI SWEAT manufacturing facility in Vietnam.
The ceremony was hosted by Otsuka’s local subsidiary, Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co., Ltd. The new factory will produce POCARI SWEAT in 350ml and 500ml PET bottles.
POCARI SWEAT was launched in Japan in 1980 as a health drink to replenish electrolytes and ions lost through perspiration. In recent years, the brand has seen significant growth in international markets. Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2012, it has steadily expanded in line with the country’s economic development and growing focus on health and wellness. To meet rising domestic demand, Otsuka has established the Phu My Factory, the first POCARI SWEAT manufacturing facility in Vietnam.
The Phu My Factory also serves as an open factory – a facility where the production site is opened to the public, allowing visitors to observe and experience manufacturing firsthand. It features an observation corridor with educational displays highlighting the importance of fluid and electrolyte intake and the benefits of ion-based beverages. Designed with environmental considerations in mind, the facility incorporates insulated exterior walls to reduce cooling loads, manufactures PET bottles using recycled PET resin, and adopts a positive-pressure aseptic filling process that also enables lighter packaging.
In Vietnam, where temperatures in many regions can exceed 40°C, Otsuka will continue raising awareness of proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment as part of its health solution approach to the global environment, one of the social issues it prioritizes.
POCARI SWEAT began overseas expansion in 1982 and is now available in more than 20 countries and regions. Since 2021, sales volume outside Japan has surpassed domestic sales, further accelerating its development as a global brand.
