Aeon to launch “Karoyaka” rice made from 100% California-grown Calrose rice on June 6th

Aeon (Chiba Prefecture) will begin releasing a new product called “Karoyaka,” made with 100% Calrose rice from California, USA, from June 6th, primarily in urban areas where there is high demand.

　Due to the rice supply shortage that has continued since last year, people are saying things like “It’s hard to get rice” and “The price is high so I can’t buy it casually.” In some areas, there is still a lack of rice supply.

　In this context, the company launched “Nisui no Takumi,” a blend of American rice imported within the minimum access framework and domestically grown rice, in April 2025, which was well received in areas with high demand. As a result, the company decided that American rice was also in demand as an option and decided to launch California-grown Calrose rice.

　Calrose rice has different characteristics and flavors than domestically grown rice, making it suitable for risotto and bouillabaisse, and can be used to create a light texture for pilaf, etc. Aeon will promote Calrose rice as a new food option, not a substitute, while protecting the deliciousness and food culture of Japanese rice.

　The Calrose rice being released this time is produced in accordance with the agricultural standards of California, USA, and is a product that has undergone quality control and pesticide residue testing. It also meets all of the standards of Japan’s Food Sanitation Act, and has been inspected at the time of import to confirm its safety.

[Sales Overview]
　Product name: “Karoyaka” Calrose rice from California, USA
　Release date: Sequentially sold from Friday, June 6, 2025
　Stores: “AEON”, “AEON STYLE”, etc.
　Price: 2,680 yen (2,894.40 yen including tax)
　Size: 4kg
　Handling volume: Approximately 14,000 tons
　
　*Release date varies depending on the company
　*Product lineup may differ depending on the store, or may not be available
　*Sales prices may differ at some stores
　*When purchasing a single item, the price including tax is rounded down to the nearest decimal point

Source:Diamond Chainstore May 15th 2025.