House Foods Group Inc. announced that it will begin selling the 2026 harvest of Smile Ball onions, which have almost no pungency, in limited quantities from mid-October. Having recorded its highest-ever shipment volume last year, the company is working to develop demand for the autumn and winter seasons.
Smile Ball was developed as an onion with reduced pungency that offers a sweet taste even when eaten raw, and went on sale in 2015. Its features include the ability to be eaten raw without soaking in water and reduced tearing when cut. The 2026 harvest is scheduled to be sold through selected mass retailers and e-commerce channels in Hokkaido, Kanto, Koshinetsu and Tokai.
Shipments reached a record high last year, and this year's sales will be limited to a specified quantity. The price is expected to be ¥278–298, excluding tax, for both the pack of 2 L-size onions and the pack of 3 M-size onions. Products sold through Rakuten Ichiba and Amazon will be available in 2 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg sizes, with shipments beginning on a rolling basis from late October.
Smile Ball was developed through conventional breeding rather than genetic modification. By suppressing the production of tear-inducing compounds, the onion makes its sweetness easier to appreciate. Its season differs from the conventional period of March to May, running from mid-October to the end of February. Contract farmers in Hokkaido produce the entire volume.
Going forward, the company will periodically announce availability at stores and restaurants in line with updates on the brand website, while seeking to expand demand for vegetables during autumn and winter.