'BEST UME' First Minabe Ume Event in Thailand at Siam Takashimaya
- Jinny PRUMPLUM
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
The Best Ume Event made its remarkable debut in Thailand at Siam Takashimaya, ICON SIAM from 11–15 February 2026. Organized by Siam Takashimaya,Torari and PRUMPLUM this special occasion welcomed 13 distinguished producers from Minabe, Wakayama — Japan’s renowned ume capital — who personally presented their finest umeshu selections to guests in Bangkok. As the first event of its kind in Thailand, it marked a meaningful milestone in bringing authentic Minabe umeshu culture directly to Thai consumers and enthusiasts.
The event showcased 20 umeshu labels, including 5 new expressions making their official debut in Thailand exclusively at the Best Ume Event. This carefully curated selection highlighted the depth, craftsmanship, and authenticity of Minabe’s finest producers.
To join the experience, guests purchased Happy Tasting Tickets, which allowed them to sample a wide range of Minabe umeshu throughout the event. With each tasting, they could collect exclusive Umeshu Cards, turning the journey into a playful treasure hunt, like collecting Pokémon cards. The more they explored, the more cards they gathered, making every sip both delicious and exciting!
Beyond the excitement of collecting Umeshu Cards, guests were also presented with the exclusive Best Ume Booklet — a comprehensive guide created especially for the event. Inside, visitors could explore detailed profiles of all participating producers, along with each umeshu’s unique character, aroma, and tasting notes. Designed to enhance the tasting journey, the booklet encouraged guests to compare flavors, discover their personal favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of Minabe, Wakayama. More than just a guide, it became a meaningful souvenir from Thailand’s very first Best Ume Event.
Prumplum Pop-Up Bar
Adding to the immersive atmosphere, the Prumplum Pop-Up Bar brought a lively bar experience directly to the event. Guests could order Food with Ume, Umeshu by the glass and curated umeshu tastings from Prumplum, allowing them to enjoy their selections as if seated at an intimate bar setting. This unique concept transformed the event space into a relaxed and welcoming environment, where visitors could savor each glass, discover new favorites, and fully experience the charm of Minabe’s authentic craft umeshu.
Prumplum also introduced a refreshing selection of non-alcoholic ume beverages crafted from premium Nanko Ume syrup. Made with carefully selected fruit from Minabe, Wakayama, these drinks highlighted the natural aroma and vibrant acidity of authentic ume in a light, approachable style.
Ume Breeze (Ume Soda) – A sparkling and refreshing blend that balances gentle sweetness with bright Nanko ume acidity.
Red Shiso Ume Soda – A beautifully aromatic soda infused with red shiso, offering a delicate herbal note and a refreshing finish.
Meet the Umeshu Producers
Beyond the tasting experience, the heart of the event was the people behind each bottle. 13 umeshu producers from Minabe, Wakayama traveled to Bangkok to personally serve their creations and share their stories — stories of generations devoted to cultivating ume, of family traditions, and of craftsmanship refined over time.
With the help of professional interpreters ensuring smooth and meaningful conversations, guests were able to connect directly with the makers, ask questions, and hear firsthand what makes each umeshu unique. These exchanges transformed each tasting into something deeper than flavor — it became a cultural bridge between Minabe and Thailand, built through passion, heritage, and a shared appreciation for ume.
Minabe no Umeshu Producers
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to sincerely thank every guest and every Prumplum customer who came to support us throughout these 5 incredible days. Seeing so many of you curious, smiling, tasting, collecting cards, and enjoying ume together truly meant so much to us.
Thank you as well for your kindness and thoughtful food support for our team — your generosity gave us extra energy and warmth during the event.
Bringing the Best Ume Event to Thailand for the first time was something very special to me personally, and it would not have been possible without your presence and support. We are deeply grateful, and we hope we can continue sharing the beauty of Minabe umeshu together again soon.
With heartfelt appreciation,
PRUMPLUM Team
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