Morinaga Unveils Premium DARS Pistachio Riding On Pistachio Trend In Japan
Morinaga has launched Premium DARS Pistachio, a limited-edition winter-only extension of its flagship DARS chocolate line. The new SKU features a visually striking three-layer construction in pastel pistachio green, combining smooth white chocolate, and a pistachio ganache centre.
Marketed as an treat to unwind, the product is positioned as an affordable premium indulgence available at convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.The release arrives at a time when pistachio has solidified its status as one of the top flavours in Japanese confectionery. Once a niche imported note, the vibrant green nut now appears across mass-market, mid-tier and high-end segments, reflecting broader consumer demand for sophisticated yet approachable luxury.
Key Industry Trends Observed In Japan’s 2025 Chocolate Landscape
Pistachio as among the top trending flavors of the year: The nut has achieved mainstream saturation, appearing in everything from convenience-store ice cream to artisan bonbons. Notable examples include Godiva’s Pistachio Cup Ice Cream, Lindt’s Dubai-style pistachio bars and drinks, ROYCE’ Petit Truffle [Pistachio], Pierre Marcolini’s Pistachio & Sake Ganache Pur, and multiple pistachio-focused Valentine collections.
Multi-layer and textural complexity in bite-sized formats: Brands increasingly engineer products with distinct layers and contrasting textures. Morinaga’s three-layer Premium DARS Pistachio, ROYCE’ Florentine Sandwich with nuts and crisp cookies, and Mary Chocolate’s triple-layer Chocolat Tororii series illustrate the shift toward architectural confections that deliver prolonged eating experiences.
Alcohol-infused chocolates moving from niche to mainstream: Spirits are no longer confined to luxury houses. ROYCE’ four-spirit praline collection (Hennessy XO, Myers’s Rum, Grappa di Barolo, Port Charlotte), Palet D’Or World’s Top 5 Whiskeys chocolates, and Lindt’s rum-raisin drinks demonstrate broad adoption of sophisticated liqueur pairings.
Traditionally budget brands are trading up: Morinaga’s ongoing Premium DARS range (Rich Cacao, Rich Strawberry, Pistachio), Black Thunder’s Gianduja variant, Meiji’s Almond & Macadamia lines with Okinawa salt, and Lotte’s first new Ghana bar in three years reflect a clear strategy to capture higher price points without alienating core consumers.
Seasonal limited editions driving collectability and urgency: Time-bound releases remain the primary growth engine. Sakura-themed items dominate spring (Lindt Lindor Sakura & Cream, ROYCE’ Sakura Nama Chocolate), citrus and cheesecake in summer, chestnut and sweet potato in autumn, and pistachio-heavy assortments in winter — with Morinaga’s new Premium DARS Pistachio explicitly positioned as a winter-exclusive drop — creating a calendar of anticipated drops that consumers actively track and chase.