Goshoku x CoCo Ichibanya Collab ‘Ika no Sugata Age’ Becomes a Year-Round Product
Ichibanya Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Ichinomiya, Aichi; President and Representative Director Mamoru Kuzuhara), operator of the curry restaurant chain Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, and Goshoku Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Kobe, Hyogo; President and Representative Director Yuichi Sunagawa) are releasing a collaboration product, Ika no Sugata Age CoCo Ichibanya-Supervised Pork Curry Flavor (いかの姿あげ CoCo壱番屋監修 ポークカレー風味). It launches first at convenience stores on Monday, October 26, 2026, and goes on sale at other retailers from Monday, November 9, 2026.
The two companies first teamed up in 2023 and have released a limited-time product every year since. This new item is a renewed version of the first and especially popular release, Ika no Sugata Age Curry Flavor. The biggest news: instead of a limited run, it will be sold as a year-round product.
Release Dates and Where to Buy
- Product: Ika no Sugata Age CoCo Ichibanya-Supervised Pork Curry Flavor
- Collaboration: Goshoku Co., Ltd. x Ichibanya Co., Ltd. (supervised by CoCo Ichibanya)
- Early release: From Monday, October 26, 2026, at convenience stores
- General release: From Monday, November 9, 2026, at other retailers
- Availability: Year-round
The rollout comes in two stages, with sales expanding beyond convenience stores two weeks after the early release. Note that the press release text does not specify the price, package size or which convenience store chains will carry it, so check in store when buying.
Pork Curry Flavor: Rich Yet Crisp
The renewed version builds on the savory umami of pork and the sweetness of onion, then adds aromatic spices and a sharp heat. It is described as having a flavor that is rich in depth yet clean and crisp on the finish.
Four Elements of the Flavor
- Pork umami: The savory depth that forms the base
- Onion sweetness: A mellow richness layered over the umami
- Spice aroma: The fragrance that defines it as curry
- Sharp heat: A crisp kick that tightens the aftertaste
While the first release was simply called Curry Flavor, this version carries the more specific name Pork Curry Flavor. The flavor is built on two pillars: richness from umami and sweetness, and crispness from spice and heat. That balance is the highlight of the renewal.
What Is Goshoku’s Long-Selling ‘Ika no Sugata Age’?
Ika no Sugata Age is a long-selling fried squid product from Goshoku, built around the concept of approachability, appeal for everyone from children to seniors, fun, smiles and energy. This collaboration series pairs that classic, made to be enjoyed across generations, with flavors supervised by curry specialist CoCo Ichibanya.
Since the first collaboration in 2023, a new limited-time product has been released every year and has been well received by many customers. Out of that lineup, the especially popular first flavor has now been chosen to become a permanent item.
Why Year-Round Availability Matters
- No longer limited-time, so you can buy it in any season
- The popular first flavor returns, renewed, as a regular item
- Available at both convenience stores and other retailers
Previous collaboration products disappeared once their sales period ended, but this one can be purchased all year long. Whether you love CoCo Ichibanya curry or are a fan of Ika no Sugata Age, being able to pick it up whenever you like is a big plus.
About Ichibanya Co., Ltd.
- Company name: Ichibanya Co., Ltd.
- Established: July 1982
- Headquarters: 6-12-23 Mitsui, Ichinomiya, Aichi 491-8601, Japan
- Representative: Mamoru Kuzuhara, President and Representative Director
- Business: Operation and franchising of the curry restaurant chain Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, plus other food service businesses
- Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market
- Capital: 1,503.27 million yen
Summary
Ika no Sugata Age CoCo Ichibanya-Supervised Pork Curry Flavor is a year-round renewal of the most popular first release from the Goshoku and CoCo Ichibanya collaboration that began in 2023. It arrives first at convenience stores on Monday, October 26, 2026, and at other retailers from Monday, November 9. Be sure to try its rich pork and onion depth paired with the crisp bite of spice and heat.
Source: press release by 株式会社壱番屋 (PR TIMES, in Japanese)