Asahi Group Japan Launches Yeast-Based Like Milk In Sig Smallbloc Aseptic Cartons

Asahi Group Japan has introduced LIKE MILK, the country’s first yeast-based beverage with milk-like taste and nutrition, using SIG’s SmallBloc aseptic cartons filled on the flexible SIG Small 12 Aseptic line. Developed with Asahi’s proprietary yeast technology, LIKE MILK offers protein and calcium levels comparable to cow’s milk but is free from milk components and Japan’s 28 specified allergenic ingredients, targeting health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. The product is co-packed by Mori Milk and is in test sales across selected supermarkets and e-commerce channels in Japan, ahead of a broader rollout planned by 2026. SIG’s Small 12 Aseptic system can run up to 12,000 packs per hour and handle two carton formats and up to 16 variants, enabling rapid prototyping, fast changeovers and agile innovation in emerging alternative-protein beverage segments.​