This buy recommendation is hoping to capitalize on both Ito En's growing product while also expecting gains from the yen vs. the dollar. I feel I am about a week late because the yen is about almost 5% in the last week, but I don't think it is too late.
Ito En, which is the #1 Green Tea maker in Japan, has entered the US market. They now have deals with Target, Costco, Whole Foods, Wild Oats...They claim to have the first "entirely natural ready to drink green tea."
The company is near all-time lows and should be set to rebound as increased sales figures are expected in the US and increased market share in Japan. I feel the beverage market is already crowded, but a good product may be able to gain market share - even in the US.
I did go out to Target and picked up a few bottles to see if it is something that I would buy. This it is one of the best tasting unsweetened ice teas that I've had. No bitter aftertaste, 140% of my recommended vitamin C, and plenty of antioxidants.
****Note: ITEOF is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange so there is typically an additional charge of $50.