Sales of Hyoketsu Lemon have surged above Lion’s projections in Australia, selling more than five million cans since launching in August 2023.

Australia is the first country outside of Japan to experience the popular premix drink. Following its success, two new flavours – Peach and Pineapple – were recently added to its Australian line-up.

Crafted with frozen natural peach and pineapple juice, vodka, and soda, Kirin Hyoketsu’s Peach and Pineapple flavours are created using the same proprietary Hyoten Toketsu technology as the Lemon flavour, with freshly squeezed juice frozen at below 18 degrees, to lock in an intense, sweet yet crisp finish. The drinks contain 6% alcohol, 0.7g of sugar, and only 116 calories.

Lion Brand Director RTD Penni Terrey said: “The success of our Lemon flavour in Australia has motivated us to continue delivering innovative and refreshing ready-to-drink beverages. We believe these new additions will further enhance the Kirin Hyoketsu experience in Australia.”

Hyoketsu’s success follows Suntory’s -196 Double Lemon being hailed as the company’s most successful Australian launch ever.

Suntory launched the brand in its first international market – Australia – in 2021, adapting its taste and packaging design to suit local preferences. It aimed to disrupt the seltzer-obsessed Light RTD category with -196 and become a top three brand by 2030. Its distinctive ‘Extreme Japanese Spirit’ campaign established -196 as the No.3 Light RTD in Australia within one year of launch, outselling White Claw and Smirnoff Seltzer in the process.

The Japan Times reports that Kirin Holdings will sell its Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon beverage in kegs to restaurants and bars in Australia following the strong reception the canned drink’s launch received last year.

“The company hopes to make chūhai, or low-alcohol drinks containing spirits and soda, its key products overseas amid the shrinking domestic market for beer and quasi-beer drinks,” the newspaper said.

Australia will be the first market in the world to sell the product in kegs.