Akashi-Tai, the UK’s number 1 premium artisan sake brand, has secured a national grocery listing with Waitrose. The new partnership marks Akashi-Tai’s continued expansion in the UK and the growth of the sake category as a whole. From August, it will be the exclusive sake available at Waitrose, with 3 different SKUs.
Recent data from Waitrose shows a remarkable 241 percent year-on-year increase in searches for sake on its website, including a 100 percent rise in plum sake searches (The Times, 2024). This surge in interest aligns with forecasts from Fortune Business Insights, which predict the global sake market will reach £8.71bn by 2026, growing at an annual rate of 4.84%.
Handmade in small batches by fourth-generation sake maker, Toji (Sake Master) Kimio Yonezawa, using traditional methods. Akashi-Tai has a full range to suit all tastes and for key occasions from a deliciously light aperitif, to a Japanese twist on celebratory events and is the ideal partner for elevated food pairing.
John Vine, Partner & Spirits Buyer at Waitrose: “We’re delighted to bring Akashi-Tai to our shelves at Waitrose, especially as customer demand continues to grow for artisan sake. It’s the perfect tipple for enjoying on its own or pairing with food.”
“We are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Waitrose,” says Trevenon Weeks, Managing Director at Marussia Beverages UK. “This listing marks a significant milestone for Akashi-Tai, allowing us to bring our premium sake to a greater audience. We believe that Waitrose customers will appreciate the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Akashi-Tai. The versatility of our sake makes it perfect for all occasions, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”
Akashi-Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu Sake 72cl
£23.00 RRP
For those looking for an alternative to enhance their dining experience, TOKUBETSU HONJOZO is a great fit. A delicate bouquet with light notes of lemon, lime and straw. This refreshing drink has a sweet well-balanced finish.
Food Pairing: Perfect pairing for barbecued meats and vegetables, lamb stew, grilled fish and seafood and cheese
Suggested serving: Chilled in a wine glass
Akashi-Tai Junmai Sparkling Sake 30cl
£15.00 RRP 30cl
The perfect alternative to Sparkling Wine, this sparkling Sake can be enjoyed during anycelebratorymoment! Akashi-TaiSparklingSakeisbottlefermentedtocreatea naturally carbonated sparkling sake in the same way as your classic champagne. Fresh notes of peach and banana form a well-balanced palate offering light fruit aromas with subtle hints of citrus and melon.
Occasion: Celebratory moments as an alternative sparkling tipple to commemorate any special event with a Japanese twist
Suggested serving : Chilled flute glass
Akashi-Tai Umeshu Sake Liquer 50cl
£21.00 RRP 50cl
A luxurious liquor made by preserving plums in the finest Ginjo sake. With a succulent bouquet of confit cherries and plums, followed by sweetness in the mouth. Shiraume GINJO UMESHU is the ultimate add-on to classic cocktails with a twist, or for those looking for a sweeter tipple. The generous notes of plum and almond give this drink a long finish.
Occasion: A perfect addition to cocktails or as a delicious aperitif alternative Suggested serving: Chilled wine glass or in cocktails
Named after its home city, Akashi-Tai’s Sake is produced by an independent family-run brewery. Using only the highest quality and locally produced ingredients such as Yamadanishiki (considered the king of sake rice) and spring water from the Akashi region, the beverage is made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran.
