[Waterlogic® on the Move] Authentic Tequila With Professionally-Approved Sparkling Water @ AGAVE SUMMIT in Yufuin

Waterlogic‘s Encounter With AGAVE SUMMIT

Have you heard of a plant called "Agave"? Agave is the name given to plants that belong to the Agave genus in the Agavaceae family. They are found mainly in tropical regions of Central and South America and are widely cultivated for food, fiber, and ornamental purposes.

The sap from the Agave tree is fermented and distilled into alcoholic drinks known as “Agave spirits.” One of the most well-known Agave spirits is the famous tequila, which is produced under strict standards, such as using specific Agave varieties, in the area around the state of Jalisco in Mexico.

Yuka Ito (“Ms. Ito”), who runs "Bar Gatito" in Oimachi, Tokyo, has been hosting "the AGAVE SUMMIT" since 2022 with the support of the Mexican Embassy and others so that more and more Japanese people will become familiar with Agave’s charm. Under the concept of "LIFE WITH AGAVE - A richer life with Agave!", this event offers a variety of activities aimed at helping people develop a deeper affection for Agave and Agave spirits through the provision of Agave-based drinks such as tequila and cocktails, as well as cultural exchanges about food, art, and music.

In 2024, the event was held in Yufuin, Oita (a famous hot spring spot in Kyushu, Japan), with the theme "Relax with Hot Springs and Agave.” The event focused on harmonization with Japan's traditional hot spring culture. Guest bartenders served cocktails and mocktails, and Japan's first Agave art exhibition took place.

At the villa, various brands of Agave spirits were arranged on the tables, and the tasting corner was a huge success. Additionally, top bartenders from all over Kyushu provided special cocktails for the guests to enjoy. Among these cocktails, the most popular was the tequila highball, which best brought out the liquor's refreshing taste.

Of course, delicious soda is essential for a good highball! Ms. Ito’s Bar Gatito adopted a Waterlogic machine and recognized its usefulness, so we were fortunate enough to participate in the event as a sponsor, bringing with us our professional water dispenser, "Classe".

"Classe" : The Soda Dispenser for Professionals

"Classe" is being widely adopted by foreign-owned hotels and restaurants in Hokkaido and Honshu, but this was its first demonstration in Kyushu.

The market for sugar-free carbonated water is expanding rapidly in Japan, but there are only a few soda dispensers in the country that meet the standards of professional use in bars and restaurants. Classe allows hotels, restaurants, and other establishments to produce carbonated water in large quantities and at a low cost. In overseas markets, this machine replaces even the need for high-end sparkling water. Another feature that garnered attention was that Classe uses a system that is directly connected to the water supply, allowing for the use of local water with its original flavor.

The Waterlogic series features an excellent purification system, Firewall®, with advanced sterilization technology that has been certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)(*).

The area around Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, where AGAVE SUMMIT 2024 was held, is blessed with not only hot springs but also fresh mineral water. Guests enjoyed cocktails made with local water that only Classe could offer.

(*) The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is a certification body for standards for structural materials for water supply equipment, headquartered in California, USA.

Guest Feedback After Trying "Classe"

In addition to being offered as a great mixer for tequila highballs, "Classe" was also set up as a drinking water server in the open-air bath facility, where it quenched the thirst of participants warmed by the hot springs with locally sourced Yufuin spring water. The local Yufuin water was so well-received that the cups provided ran out due to its popularity.

We asked Mr. Orii from "Bar Hermanos (Fukuoka)", who collaborated with us and actually used Classe in our exhibition booth, to share his impressions from a professional perspective.

Mr.OriiーI think the distinctive feature of "Classe"’s soda is that it has a relatively mild carbonation strength. It was a great mixer that complements liquor and brings out its flavor the best. I was surprised by how delicious it was.

Given the recent surge in popularity of highly carbonated water in Japan, Japanese customers tend to associate the term "sparkling water" with highly carbonated drinks. Of course, I think something like that would be better when you want to feel refreshed under the blazing heat of midsummer.

However, if you want to fully enjoy the taste of alcohol, we recommend using moderately carbonated water. An excess of sourness can overpower the beverage’s original flavor.

In that sense, I think that "Classe", which consistently provides "soda of just the right strength", is a piece of equipment that professionals will appreciate. Now I understand why it's used in famous hotels and restaurants.

The Secret Behind "Classe" Water’s Deliciousness

We are thrilled that even professionals have given their stamp of approval to the deliciousness of Classe. We spoke with Mr. Miyagi (Business Strategy Dept.), who is in charge of Waterlogic, about the features of Waterlogic.

―We asked many people to try "Classe", and most of them enjoyed its water quality. Please tell us the secret behind the excellence of "Classe".

Mr. Miyagi― This is our first time exhibiting Waterlogic in Kyushu, and we're delighted that so many people have told us that our products were excellent. The secret to the water’s deliciousness lies in our unique filtration system, which includes our UV purification technology, "Firewall🄬".

As you may know, Japan's tap water is famous for being extremely safe, but it inevitably has a chlorine smell, and there have been problems such as dirty water pipes and storage tanks, and the risk of bacterial and viral contamination through the water outlets.

In fact, the problem of contaminated water outlets also applies to so-called bottled water dispensers, and it is not uncommon to find that even seemingly clean servers have bacteria running rampant inside. Recently, many people have also become concerned about the effects of PFAS (fluorinated organic compounds).

The Waterlogic series is an extremely high-performance filtration system that not only removes pollutants and chlorine odors, but also features an ultraviolet sterilization system at the water outlet, minimizing the risk of pathogens. However, it leaves minerals in the water untouched and allows them to pass through, enabling you to fully enjoy the delicious taste of Japan's water. This is the secret to the deliciousness provided by the Waterlogic series.

―I see. The Waterlogic series removes not only viruses and PFAS, but also slime, germs, and bacteria, while still enabling the minerals that determine the taste of the water to pass through, which makes sure that the flavor of the local water remains preserved.

Mr. Miyagi――That's right. So, Waterlogic's strength is its ability to provide safe, reliable, and delicious water. The source of tap water in the Yufuin area, where this event was held, is a local spring. The spring water in Yufuin is nationally reputed as exquisite, so the Waterlogic series is perfect for areas like this. That’s why it has been adopted by restaurants that value local production and consumption.

In addition, "Classe" is a water dispenser designed for professionals that enhances the strengths of Waterlogic. It is used in restaurants and bars, and the carbonation can be adjusted to match the alcohol and food served there. In fact, we had prepared bottles of highly carbonated water at our tequila bar booth, but in the end, they didn't use a single bottle (laughs).

We would be delighted if everyone could try it out and experience the excellence of "Classe".

―You must have felt great confidence after receiving direct feedback.

Mr. Miyagi―Yes, I felt much more encouraged. Many of the people who attended this event were food and beverage professionals and connoisseurs, and I think I was successful in having them understand the difference, which has boosted my confidence.

Holding demonstrations at events may open doors to new business opportunities and negotiations with those people in person. This is a unique benefit of such occasions. We have seen gradual but steady progress, such as receiving an offer of sales support in the Kyushu region from an individual who tried and praised "Classe" water. A well-known local hot spring inn is also considering implementing "Classe".

The fact that "Classe" is directly connected to the water supply is another point we want to emphasize when selling to professionals. There would be no need to stock plastic bottles, etc. Depending on the amount used, this can reduce plastic consumption, streamline warehouse space, and lead to significant cost savings.

We can safely, securely, and affordably deliver delicious water. This is the strength of "Classe".

Waterlogic, which aims to make water safe and secure through technology, will continue to participate in various events and exhibitions. Please come and experience Waterlogic for yourself! We look forward to seeing you!

Event and Exhibition Information

• Waterlogic Japan Official Instagram (in Japanese)  

Waterlogic Contact Information (For Japanese Market Only)

・For individual purchases, please click here (Waterlogic Online Shop (in Japanese))

・法For corporate inquiries, pleasecontact us here (contact form)

AGAVE SUMMIT Venue: Yufuin Onsen Hot Spring Recreation Village "Tsukanoma"

This facility is based on the theme of "Yufuin Onsen as a therapeutic hot spring resort" and aims to provide "time spent in hot springs" for both body and mind. Various facilities are located throughout the village, including a large open-air bath and a traditional main house, offering relaxation to visitors.

Official Website: Click here

Ms Ito’s Bar: "Bar Gatito"

*Here, you can experience the Waterlogic series' tabletop water purifier, "Edge".

Official Website (in Japanese): Click here

Mr. Orii's bar: "Bar Hermanos"

Official Facebook Page: Click here