TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zojirushi, a manufacturer of premium kitchen electrics and vacuum insulated drinkware, and global lifestyle brand Sanrio, have partnered to bring pop icon Hello Kitty to life on some of their best-selling products. The Hello Kitty Limited Edition Collection features a gold Hello Kitty pattern on an automatic rice cooker and stainless mugs. The collection is now available at various retailers nationwide and online.
The joint effort is the first of its kind for Zojirushi America, who has been in the U.S. Market for 30 years, yet has a foundation in Japan for over 100. “Zojirushi has been nourishing people’s bodies and souls since 1918 and the beloved Sanrio brand has been warming people’s hearts for 60 years,” said President and CEO Tatsu Yamasaki. “This collaboration of two historic brands from Japan made sense for us. It allows us to expand our reach, challenged us to step outside our norm and create a new demographic of consumers.”
The Limited Edition is exclusive to the U.S. and Canada with a never before seen Hello Kitty pattern designed specifically for Zojirushi. As this launch coincides with Sanrio’s 60th Anniversary, both brands will support each other on marketing initiatives to further the reach of this product launch.
Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Business Development at Sanrio commented, “Sanrio and Zojirushi not only share Japanese heritage; together, we stand committed to developing quality goods and memorable experiences. We’re so excited Hello Kitty can be part of our consumers’ everyday lives through these premium product offerings.”
The new rice cooker will feature gold Hello Kitty graphics on a white machine. The 5.5 cup cooker has easy one-touch operation, automatic keep warm when cooking is done, a detachable and washable inner lid, detachable power cord, hinged lock tight lid with push button release, and an easy-to-clean nonstick inner cooking pan. Accessories include a measuring cup, spatula and spatula holder. MSRP $203.00
Known for their superior vacuum insulation technology, these Zojirushi mugs pay homage to Sanrio’s Hello Kitty icon, in white/gold and black/gold combinations. The 16 oz. capacity mug is made of high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, with a lightweight and compact design. The lid lock prevents accidental leaks or spills, and the lid is vented so the beverage flows smoothly. The mug is made of BPA-free plastic and a nonstick coated interior makes the mug easier to clean. MSRP $52.00
About Sanrio®
Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many other beloved character brands including Chococat™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™, Keroppi™, Gudetama™ and Aggretsuko™, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile®' philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio's legendary breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores. To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @sanrio, @hellokitty.
About Zojirushi
In 2018, Zojirushi celebrated its 100th anniversary, and a century of products designed to improve customers' quality of life—bringing comfort, ease, vitality and affluence to people around the world. Zojirushi was established in 1918 as a producer of hand-blown vacuum bottles and has been a world leader in thermal products ever since. The Zojirushi line was expanded to include a wide range of stainless steel vacuum bottles, rice cookers, breadmakers, Air Pot® beverage dispensers, thermal serving carafes, specialty cookware, small electrics, restaurant equipment, and other products. Striving to remain faithful to the principles that embodied the company's first 100 years, and the reputation of quality and durability it earned them, Zojirushi looks forward to a future of continued innovation and inspired design.
For more information on the entire quality Zojirushi Product Collection, contact Zojirushi America Corporation at 800.733.6270 or visit www.zojirushi.com.
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On Twitter: @ZojirushiUSA
On Instagram: @zojirushiamerica
