Soto Sake joins forces with Mangrove Global

Distributor Mangrove Global has welcomed gluten-free, vegan Soto Sake to its portfolio in response to the category's growth in the UK.

Soto Sake is the newest addition to Mangrove Global's portfolio, inspired by the promising growth of the sake category in the UK over the past few years. According to Waitrose, year-on-year (YoY) searches for sake have seen a 214% increase, while merchant Berry Bros & Rudd reported a tenfold increase in sake sales between 2023 and 2024. Produced in Japan, Soto was created to be an approachable and accessible premium sake, aiming to introduce Western palates to the thriving category. The name 'Soto' means 'outside' in Japanese, said to reflect the brand's celebration of nature's purest elements. In the UK, the brand will offer two expressions – Junmai and Junmai Daiginjo – through Mangrove for both on-trade and off-trade sales. Soto Junmai is said to stand out for its light profile with subtle apple and golden raisin notes, complemented by an earthy minerality and a dry finish. In contrast, Soto Junmai Daiginjo offers a more complex character, with undertones of melon and cucumber, boasting a creamy, full-bodied texture.

Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove Global, said: "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. I’ve been a fan of everything they’ve achieved in the US for a while, and with the increasing success of the category here in the UK, it was time to bring that same enthusiasm to our own shores. "Sake is a brilliant choice for UK drinkers for many reasons. It tastes great, it’s versatile, and it actually suits those practising moderation thanks to its lower ABV. It’s a flavour profile we’re already comfortable with – and Soto’s SKUs are utterly drinkable liquids in their own right." The all-natural sakes are offered at 14-15.5% ABV, without added sugar, sulphites, or preservatives, and are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Soto Sake is best enjoyed chilled and neat and can be paired with a variety of dishes, particularly Japanese or Asian cuisine. Now available across the UK, the brand's Junmai is offered in two sizes: 720ml bottles and 180ml cans. Soto Junmai Daiginjo is available in both 720ml and 300ml formats.