Mangrove Global has once again shown that its finger is firmly on the pulse of the industry with its latest addition to the portfolio – SOTO SAKE. A category that has seen promising growth here in the UK over the last few years, the timely appointment will see Mangrove bring SOTO’S two delicious sakes to the domestic on and off-trade.
Produced in Japan, SOTO was designed as an approachable and accessible premium sake to introduce western palates to this fast-growing category. Sake is made from fermented rice that’s deep-rooted in Japanese culture. SOTO means "outside" in Japanese, so this sake is a celebration of nature’s purest elements.
SOTO Junmai offers a refreshingly light profile with subtle apple and golden raisin notes, balanced by an earthy minerality and dry finish. SOTO Junmai Daiginjo presents a more complex character, featuring melon and cucumber undertones with a creamy, full-bodied texture.
“It’s been a long-held ambition of mine to bring a sake onto the portfolio – and in my opinion, there’s no better brand than SOTO," said Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global, leading distributor of premium independent spirits. "I’ve been a fan of everything they’ve achieved in the United States for a while and seeing the increasing success of the category here in the UK, it was time to drive that same enthusiasm on our own shores.
“Sake is a brilliant choice for UK drinkers for many reasons. It tastes great, it’s versatile, and it actually fits well with those practicing moderation thanks to a lower ABV. It’s a flavour profile we’re already comfortable with – and SOTO’s SKUs are utterly drinkable liquids in their own right.”
Notably, SOTO offers Sake consumers a compelling option:
- Lower ABV (14-15.5 per cent)
- All natural
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- No added sugar, sulphites, or preservatives
As a category, Sake’s popularity has increased in the last few years. Waitrose reported a 214 per cent increase YoY in searches for Sake, while merchant Berry Bros & Rudd reported a 1000 per cent increase in Sake sales between 2023 and 2024. It’s an accessible alternative to the nation's favourite light spirits, and SOTO’s re-entry to the UK market will undoubtedly win more people over to drive the category’s international success.
SOTO SAKE should be consumed neat from the fridge and accompanies many types of foods, especially Japanese or Asian dishes and is now available across the UK.
SOTO Junmai sake, 14 per cent ABV, is available in 720ml bottles and 180ml cans, ideal for portability. SOTO Junmai Daiginjo sake, 15.5 per cent ABV, available in 720ml and 300ml bottles.
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