Konami Cross Media NY Announces New Licensing Deal Launching the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand’s foray into the Specialty Beverage Category
Yu-Gi-Oh!, the beloved anime-inspired trading card game and multi-series entertainment brand, is making waves in an unexpected new product category: artisanal sparkling water. This unique offering is set to hit shelves in Q2 of 2025, thanks to a collaboration with Taiwan’s Y.H.B. Biotech and their popular Ocean Bomb brand, known for its child-friendly sparkling beverages.
Sparkling Waters Tailored for Fans
The announcement was made today by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing at Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. According to Coleman, this expansion opens a fantastic avenue for Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise, allowing fans to enjoy refreshing sparkling waters featuring the likenesses of their favorite characters.
“Just when Yu-Gi-Oh! fans think they’ve seen it all, we’re excited to open our phenomenal anime property to the specialty beverage product category for the first time,” said Coleman. “Available to consumers in North and South America, as well as the European Union and the United Kingdom, YHB’s Ocean Bomb canned sparkling flavored waters will be sold through specialty stores focused on the food and beverage category.”
A Flavorful Collaboration
Y.H.B. Biotech’s executive, En En, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting their prior success with other anime brands such as Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Super. The company aims to leverage Yu-Gi-Oh!’s longstanding global dominance, which has captivated audiences for over 25 years.
“Yu-Gi-Oh!’s dominance in the global marketplace will tremendously boost consumer awareness and introduce Ocean Bomb to new markets throughout the Americas, Europe, and the UK,” said En. “It’s a wonderful partnership and growth opportunity for both Ocean Bomb and Yu-Gi-Oh!”
The Ocean Bomb Yu-Gi-Oh! sparkling water range will feature a variety of fresh, fruity flavors, all caffeine-free, making them perfect for consumers of all ages. Fans can anticipate that these beverages will celebrate iconic characters and monsters from the series, adding an extra layer of excitement to the drinking experience.
Availability and Future Plans
The sparkling water line will be marketed predominantly through specialty stores that focus on food and beverage categories. The products will be available across North America, the European Union, the UK, as well as Central and South America, making it accessible to a vast audience of Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts.
Additionally, at the Licensing Expo, visitors can find Konami Cross Media NY at stand Q192, showcasing this innovative product addition as well as other merchandise licensing.
A New Era for Yu-Gi-Oh!
This move into the beverage sector marks an exciting new chapter for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, further solidifying its cultural footprint in popular media. The unique combination of anime fandom and artisanal products like sparkling water may redefine how merchandise is marketed and enjoyed.
Stay tuned as the Ocean Bomb Yu-Gi-Oh! sparkling water line rolls out next year, offering fans not just collectibles but also refreshing drinks that celebrate their favorite franchise.
