# Meiji's Bulgaria Yogurt and Milk Chocolate Take 2026 Long Life Design Award

> Meiji's Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain and Milk Chocolate win the 2026 Long Life Design Award, honoring decades of enduring design and taste.

- Published: 2026-10-15T05:18:49+00:00
- Section: Business
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-15/meiji-bulgaria-yogurt-milk-chocolate-award
- Source: [Third News](https://third-news.com/article/e963f224-c853-11f1-9a7e-9ca3ba08e13f)

## Key takeaways

- Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain (400g) and Meiji Milk Chocolate (50g) won the 2026 Long Life Design Award at the Good Design Awards.
- Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt launched in December 1973 and uses LB81 lactic acid bacteria sourced from Bulgaria.
- Meiji Milk Chocolate, established in September 1926, is marking its centennial anniversary in 2026.

Meiji Co., Ltd. Announced that its Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 Plain (400g) and Meiji Milk Chocolate (50g) won the 2026 Long Life Design Award at the Good Design Awards, organized by the Japan Design Promotion Association. [Third News](https://third-news.com/article/e963f224-c853-11f1-9a7e-9ca3ba08e13f) reported the recognition, which cites the products' enduring quality and design.

## Meiji's Two Award-Winning Products

The yogurt, launched in December 1973, has been a staple for over 50 years and uses authentic LB81 lactic acid bacteria sourced from Bulgaria. Its packaging features a full-open container with a blue and white color scheme, a design the jury said has set the standard for yogurt packaging in Japan. The jury also noted the yogurt's role in popularizing yogurt culture in Japan.

Meiji Milk Chocolate, established in September 1926, is marking its centennial anniversary. The chocolate is made solely from cacao mass and cocoa butter without vegetable oils, maintaining its status as a "pure chocolate," and its packaging retains sepia tones and a distinctive gold logo. The jury said the flavor derives from a select few ingredients: cacao, milk, sugar, and vanilla.

The Good Design Awards began in 1957 as a governmental initiative to recognize superior design. The Long Life Design Award specifically celebrates products that have established functional and aesthetic values over the years and continue to thrive in everyday life.

## Meiji's Recent Product Rollouts

Meiji launched a strawberry-flavored Bulgaria frozen yogurt dessert nationwide on September 28, 2026, in 80ml cups priced at 194 yen, incorporating LB81 lactic acid bacteria, Third News reported. On October 13, 2026, the company said it will launch a new Rich Caramel flavor for its Melty Kiss winter chocolate line on October 20, 2026, using Ecuadorian cocoa beans and rich caramel powder.

Meiji also announced price increases for its sports nutrition line, effective December 1, 2026, affecting 22 products with increases of approximately 6% to 11%, according to Third News.

## What Comes Next for Meiji

The new Rich Caramel Melty Kiss flavor is set to launch on October 20, 2026. Meiji's sports nutrition price adjustments take effect on December 1, 2026. The company's Greek yogurt under its R-1 brand, featuring 10 grams of protein per serving, will debut on October 13 and 20, 2026, at 266 yen per 112g cup.

## Companies in this story

- Meiji · website: https://www.meiji.co.jp

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