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Created in 1935, Yakult has been making a positive difference to people’s lives for many years.
Yakult received the Global Tier Brand of the Year award in the Dairy Products – Probiotic category at the 2026–2027 World Branding Awards. The award marked ten consecutive years of recognition for the brand. Hiroaki Yoshimura and Shinji Yamaguchi accepted the award on behalf of Yakult Europe and Yakult UK & Ireland. The milestone reflects the consistency and global presence of the Yakult brand.
Yakult Europe hosted a two-day scientific program in Almere and Amsterdam to celebrate World Microbiome Day. Experts discussed microbiome research, gut diversity, healthy aging, and future perspectives. Participants included colleagues from across the operating companies and invited guests, promoting international exchange of ideas.
Yakult Europe has opened its first overseas R&D center in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The center focuses on microbiology, nutrition, and health sciences and will work with Wageningen University to support new product development.
Yakult Europe announced the appointment of Hiroaki Yoshimura as managing director on April 14, 2026. He succeeds Hiroyasu Matsubara, who will become senior adviser.
Last November, Yakult Europe hosted a media tour in Japan for European journalists and content creators, introducing Japan's longevity culture and Yakult's health initiatives. Participants learned about the science and lifestyle behind healthy longevity and attended talks on microbiome research and Yakult's philosophy.
On August 28, 2025, Yakult Honsha received SBTi validation for the Yakult Group's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Aligned with the Paris Agreement, the targets call for reductions by 2030 of 42% for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, 25% for Scope 3, and 31% for FLAG emissions.
Yakult Europe submitted a commitment letter, accepted by the Science Based Targets initiative, stating its intention to set greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. The company aims to set its targets within two years and accelerate climate action toward a sustainable society.
Yakult Europe will hold the 11th International Yakult Symposium in Amsterdam in October 2024. The theme is the relationship between the gut and health, highlighting the importance of gut and microbiome health. Research has shown how the gut microbiome affects health and immune function.
Yakult Europe announced Yakult Plus Peach, a new peach-flavored product that will replace the existing Yakult Plus. It is scheduled to go on sale in European stores from late August.
Yakult Europe and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra are celebrating 30 years of sponsorship. Watch the video for details.