Global Umeshu Market Size Likely to Surpass at a CAGR of 7.10% By 2034

Market Size and Growth

As per the Umeshu Market size study conducted by the CMI Team, the global Umeshu Market is expected to record a CAGR of 7.10% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1.37 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2.69 Billion.

Overview

Rising global interest in culturally authentic, fruit-based alcoholic drinks is driving significant growth in the Umeshu market. As consumers look for new flavor experiences, low-ABV options, and artisanal beverages, Umeshu, a traditional Japanese plum wine, has attracted strong international attention. Its sweet yet complex flavor, versatility in cocktails, and cultural roots appeal to both younger drinkers and connoisseurs. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of Japanese cuisine around the globe has boosted the presence of Umeshu in restaurants, bars, and high-end retail outlets.

Health-aware trends and a move towards moderation in alcohol consumption are raising the demand for lower-alcohol and naturally flavored drinks, making Umeshu a good alternative to spirits and regular wines. Developed regions like Japan, the U.S., and the U.K. lead the way in demand for premium products and ready-to-drink innovations. Meanwhile, emerging markets such as India and Brazil are starting to adopt Umeshu, driven by curiosity and rising disposable incomes. Improvements in regulations, the growth of e-commerce, and new product launches, including organic and sparkling Umeshu variants, further increase access to the market. As a result, the Umeshu market is set for strong global growth, backed by changing consumer preferences, cultural exports, and ongoing product innovation.

Key Trends & Drivers

• Increased in the consumption of products due to low alcoholic ingredients: Due to its flavor and low alcohol content, umeshu is becoming more popular among the young generation, which will fuel the growth of the umeshu industry worldwide. Additionally, the market will grow worldwide owing to a notable increase in consumer demand for premium and super-premium goods as well as an increase in end users’ spending power. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the massive efforts made by plum wine producers to widen their distribution system and acquire significant shelf space in supermarkets would drive the market growth. Furthermore, in the upcoming years, the increasing interest in Japanese food will significantly increase the size of the global market. The global market will grow as more people become aware of the health advantages of eating umeshu and ume fruit, as well as the antioxidant qualities of umeshu. Furthermore, increasing product launches of new products will make a substantial contribution to market share. For instance, in March 2023 SAKURAO Brewery and Distillery Company Limited launched a new Umeshu that was recommended by SAKURAO Umeshu Whisky Barrel Aging.

• Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: Increasing demand for Umeshu is leading to important changes in production and packaging methods. Producers are investing more in high-quality ume fruit varieties and fine-tuning fermentation techniques to improve flavor complexity, consistency, and product authenticity. At the same time, the move toward eco-friendly consumption is pushing brands to use sustainable packaging solutions. This includes recyclable bottles, simple labeling, and caps that use less plastic. These changes not only reduce the product’s environmental impact but also make it more attractive to premium and health-conscious consumers. As a result, market growth and brand differentiation in competitive areas are accelerating.

Report Scope

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: The authenticity and rich cultural history of the Umeshu market are among its best features. Umeshu, a traditional plum wine from Japan, has a unique brand story and appeals to consumers, especially in countries that value handmade and culturally meaningful products. Another aspect of Umeshu is its flexibility; it can be enjoyed neat, cold, or warmed, or as a base for cocktails, attracting a range of consumers. It also suits anyone who prefers lighter, fruit-based alcoholic drinks, particularly those who are new to alcohol, because of its sweet, friendly flavor and low alcohol content. Brands can aim for higher-end markets by presenting Umeshu as a premium or luxury product, thanks to its flavor profile and often attractive packaging.

• Weaknesses: Despite its appeal, Umeshu has some weaknesses in the market. One main issue is limited global awareness. Outside of Japan and a few East Asian countries, many consumers don’t know much about the product. This can slow mass-market adoption and requires extensive education and marketing. Additionally, international distribution often includes high import duties, licensing rules, and shipping costs. These factors can raise retail prices and limit access. On the production side, Umeshu depends heavily on seasonal harvests of ume fruit, specially high-quality types like Nanko-ume. However, it makes it harder to maintain consistent production throughout the year.

• Opportunities: The Umeshu market is filled with opportunities. This is especially true if we consider the global consumer trends that are going towards beverages that have lower alcohol content, are naturally flavored, and are fermented. The growing popularity of the ready-to-drink (RTD) sector provides a major growth path to younger consumers, who are always looking for more convenience and more variety in flavors. Plus, there are some new markets in places like Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America which can give more opportunities to the Umeshu market. The reason is that in these regions, people will have more money to spend and more curiosity to try products from other countries and this will lead to more demand. The global popularity of Japanese cuisine is also one of the factors that greatly contribute to the positive development of the Umeshu market because this beverage is getting more and more popular through Japanese restaurants and events of Japanese culture. In addition, the innovations in eco-friendly packaging and the certifications in organic also help to position Umeshu in line with the demand for sustainable and healthy alcohol, which is a competitive advantage in the changing global beverage market.

• Threats: The biggest threat is the competition from the already established categories of alcoholic beverages such as wine, flavored vodka, and liqueurs. These products usually have wider distribution, are more well-known, and have larger marketing budgets. Regulatory complexity is still one more obstacle—different countries have their own laws on alcohol imports, their own labeling requirements, and licensing conditions that may cause a delay in market entry or even a halt. Supply issues such as climate change or agricultural disruptions that affect the harvest of the ume fruit can be a great risk to production. Lastly, changing consumer trends can possibly become a major threat in the long run; Although current consumer preferences are leaning towards sweeter and lighter drinks, if there will be a shift to higher-proof spirits or drier flavor profiles in the future, then the attractiveness of Umeshu in its current form will be compromised.

List of the prominent players in the Umeshu Market:

• Choya Umeshu Co. Ltd.
• Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd.
• Suntory Holdings Limited
• Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.
• Ozeki Corporation
• Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co. Ltd.
• Gekkeikan Sake Company Ltd.
• Kikkoman Corporation
• Umenoyado Brewery Co. Ltd.
• Nakano BC Co. Ltd.
• Heiwa Shuzou Co. Ltd.
• Sawanotsuru Co. Ltd.
• Kishu Umeshu Co. Ltd.
• Others

The Umeshu Market is segmented as follows:

By End-User

• Residential
• Commercial

By Distribution Channel

• Convenience Stores
• On Premises
• Retailers
• Supermarkets

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America