The “exact same Pocari Sweat” in the vending machines on the 2nd floor of ACTA Nishinomiya East Building seems to have “different prices.”
(Photo and info provided by Kagayaki 509-gou. Thank you!)
The vending machine on the left ↓
It’s a 500ml Pocari. The one on the left is 160 yen
The vending machine on the right ↓
The one on the right is 170 yen.
The left one is Asahi Soft Drinks and the right one is Ito En.
You’re probably wondering why Asahi Soft Drinks and Ito En are selling Pocari Sweat from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which isn’t related to either of them.
Because,
Asahi Soft Drinks ↓
There’s Mitsuya Cider, Wonda coffee, Dodekamin, and some other less well-known juices too, but they’re all drinks from Asahi Soft Drinks.
Ito En ↓
Oi Ocha, Evian, and Tsurube-san’s Mugicha are all Ito En. But wait, Oronamin C is from Otsuka Pharmaceutical.
After looking into it a bit, it seems Asahi Soft Drinks and Ito En entered into a business partnership that lets them sell products from Otsuka Pharmaceutical vending machines, so they’re able to sell Pocari. There’s info here and here
Actually,
Asahi Soft Drinks is selling Oi Ocha too.
And Ito En is selling Wilkinson too. It was listed here
Glad to see everyone getting along so well!
But I’m still buying the 160 yen one
※Kagayaki 509-gou, thank you for the photos and info!!
■■■Send us your tips!■■■
