The Japanese company expects to produce 300 million 500 ml POCARI SWEAT bottles annually in the newly opened Tianjin Second Factory.
Located beside the first Tianjin Factory, which opened in 2003, the new two-story factory, with a site area of 32,997.2 m², is expected to increase annual production capacity by about 2.5 times when it starts operations in April.
Demand for hydration and electrolyte beverages is rising in Northern China, a trend the new Tianjin factory will address, according to Otsuka Pharmaceutical.
“In recent years, interest in scientifically grounded health management has continued to grow,” a spokesperson told NutraIngredients. “Along with the expansion of sports and fitness activities, functionality‑focused consumption behaviors—such as proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment before and after exercise—are increasingly becoming part of everyday life."
There are now four POCARI SWEAT production factories in China, with two operated by Tianjin Otsuka Beverage and the remaining two by another Otsuka Pharmaceutical subsidiary.
China’s electrolyte and hydration market has attracted attention from both local and international players in recent years. Examples include Unilever, which launched Liquid I.V. in 2024, and Danone with its Mizone Electrolyte + drink launch in 2023.
Locally, Chi Forest and Eastroc Beverage are key players. The latter claimed that sales of its isotonic electrolyte drink surpassed RMB 500 million (US$72.2 million) in its first year of launch in 2023 and was among the top three electrolyte drink brands in China.
The company is also building a production base in Hainan, which is expected to start manufacturing its isotonic electrolyte drink, energy drink and coconut water, among others, from next year.
Health awareness hub
On Feb. 5, the company also unveiled a health awareness hub in the same building as the factory.
Expected to welcome about 30,000 visitors annually, it is designed to offer educational programs that highlight the importance of proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment.
“We have established a visitor walkway that welcomes guests and provides educational programs highlighting the importance of proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment,” the spokesperson said. “The programs are designed for people of all ages.”
Consumer education has been a key channel for brand and awareness building in China.
“POCARI SWEAT’s growth in China has been driven by ongoing initiatives to promote awareness of proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment, which have helped deepen understanding of the product’s value, as well as by the recent rise in health consciousness,” said the spokesperson.
In its first half results for FY25, the company said it would embark on further market expansion to grow its electrolyte drink business.
Last April, for example, it opened its first production facility for POCARI SWEAT in Vietnam.
In July, it made its debut in the Indian market, selling POCARI SWEAT in both 350 ml and 500 ml bottles. The products are supplied via Otsuka’s subsidiary, PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, located in Indonesia.
