Brand

Choya

Choya is a Japanese company specializing in the production and marketing of umeshu (liqueur made from ume). Headquartered in Habikino (Osaka prefecture), it offers a range of umeshu and citrus-based liqueurs made with traditional Japanese ingredients.
  • Habikino · Osaka · Japan
  • Since 1914

Choya

Meet the producer

Official website
The story
The company's roots go back to a viticultural business founded in the early 20th century; having grown around wine and brandy production, it began commercial umeshu production in 1959. Over the years Choya has developed and internationalized the umeshu category, opening overseas branches and launching premium lines such as the "Extra/The CHOYA" series while promoting standards for authentic umeshu.
Production philosophy
To enhance the power and tradition of the ume by working closely with local growers; to produce high-quality umeshu using Japanese fruit (notably Nanko ume) and maturation and blending techniques to create recognizable products suitable for international consumption.
Territory
Japan (especially ume-producing areas such as the Kishu region); headquarters in Habikino, Osaka.
Production method
Infusion of ume fruit in an alcohol base (often cane spirit) with added sugar or natural ingredients; some premium lines undergo a maturation period (e.g. the Extra series is aged 2–3 years). The use of Nanko ume from Kishu and natural ingredients such as yuzu, shiso or honey are indicated depending on the expression.
Ageing
Maturation/aging for some premium lines (the Extra series is aged approximately 2–3 years).
Characteristics
Type
Brand
City
Habikino
Categories
  • fruit liqueurs
  • premium umeshu
  • Japanese liqueurs
  • herbal liqueurs
Raw materials
  • Japanese Nanko ume (Kishu)
  • sugar
  • cane spirit
  • yuzu (on some expressions)
  • perilla / shiso leaves (for Extra Shiso)
  • honey and pollen / royal jelly (for Royal Honey)
Representative products
  • The CHOYA Extra Shiso (Umeshu Extra Shiso) 700ml
  • The CHOYA Extra Years (Umeshu Extra Years) 700ml
  • The CHOYA Royal Honey (Umeshu Royal Honey) 700ml
  • CHOYA Yuzu (Yuzu liqueur) 700ml
What makes it distinctive
  • World specialist in umeshu, with umeshu production since 1959
  • Use of 100% Japanese Nanko ume (Kishu area) for main lines
  • Premium 'Extra/The CHOYA' series with declared aging (2–3 years)
  • Range includes flavored expressions (shiso), yuzu-based bottles and several honey-based products

Products from Choya

Full collection

There are currently no products available from this producer.