Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, is strategically expanding into the functional drink market. To align its portfolio with current health trends, the company has launched a new product, “Suntory Hy! Water Lock™,” a hydration drink (containing vitamins and minerals) with a yuzu flavor. It is designed to support modern office professionals in maintaining balanced hydration, especially for those who spend long hours in air-conditioned environments.

Suntory Hy! Water Lock™ has been developed leveraging Suntory Japan technology to deliver an innovative hydration drink, marking its global debut in Thailand. The product aims to establish a new category of daily hydration, targeting urban Lifestyle and office professionals who remain active throughout the day while spending extended periods in air-conditioned environments. The market introduction of Suntory Hy! Water Lock™ further strengthens the company’s portfolio and reinforces its strategic objective to expand market share in the functional beverage sector, currently valued at over 7 billion THB.^[1]

In Thailand, the health and wellness trend continues to gain momentum, with modern consumers increasingly prioritizing daily health management. However, when it comes to maintaining balanced hydration, there remains a common perception that water loss only occurs during exercise or exposure to hot weather. In practice, today’s work environment—particularly for office professionals who spend an average of 8–9 hours in air-conditioned spaces with low humidity—may lead to gradual water loss through the skin, even while seated and inactive.^{[2] {3] [4] [5]} Importantly, the “silent” impacts of air-conditioned spaces, which do not trigger perspiration, can suppress the body’s natural thirst signals, causing early signs of dehydration to go unnoticed,^[6] while water continues to be lost throughout the day. Consequently, it may cause a range of symptoms, including dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, and diminished energy levels.^{[7] [8] [9]}

Despite the fact that a growing number of consumers recognize the importance of balanced hydration, a significant number continue to favor beverages focused on taste or refreshment, which may not adequately support optimal fluid balance. Establishing a “Daily Hydration” routine, consequently, extends beyond simply consuming large quantities of water. It entails choosing beverages that effectively support the retention of water within the body, catering to the lifestyle needs of office professionals who spend prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments.

Leveraging a deep understanding of the modern work environment, where extended hours in air-conditioned settings are common among professionals, Suntory Hy! Water Lock™ has been developed under the principles of Hydration Science, the discipline dedicated to optimizing water replenishment in the body. Suntory Japan’s research and development team conducted in-depth studies on the body’s water absorption mechanisms, revealing that effective hydration is not determined solely by “quantity,” but also by the “balanced composition” of minerals and the appropriate osmolarity of the solution, which are critical for efficient absorption.

Building on this approach, the Water Lock™ formula has been meticulously developed with an optimized balance of sodium and sugar to enhance water absorption and support prolonged hydration beyond the effects of regular water provides. The Product also further enriched with niacin (vitamin B3), an essential nutrient that helps maintain the normal function of both the gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Complemented by a refreshing yuzu flavor that is easy to drink and enjoyable throughout the day, this innovation is designed to meet the needs of office professionals susceptible to water loss during prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments.

Mr. Yutana Jitcharoongphorn, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Company Limited, shared, “Today, Thai consumers are no longer seeking beverages solely to quench thirst—they are actively seeking solutions that support a healthy lifestyle amidst the fast pace of modern life. The introduction of Suntory Hy! Water Lock™ goes beyond the addition of a new product to our portfolio; it represents a strategic milestone for Suntory PepsiCo Thailand in pioneering a new segment, ‘True Daily Hydration’, with the goal of establishing daily hydration as a core element of everyday wellness. Through this initiative, we aim to reshape consumer mindsets, encouraging a shift from drinking water purely for thirst to embracing a systematic and consistent approach to hydration. This endeavor also seeks to create a new category within the functional beverage market, valued at THB 7 billion, while driving the long-term sustainable growth of Thailand’s health and wellness beverage sector.”

Mr. Junichiro Takata, Marketing Director of Suntory Products at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Company Limited, emphasized Suntory Japan’s enduring commitment to daily health and wellness, stating, “Suntory has consistently prioritized supporting daily health, grounded in the conviction that maintaining True Daily Hydration is fundamental to overall well-being. Leveraging over 25 years of expertise in developing hydration-focused beverages in Japan under the trusted Dakara brand, we have consistently invested in and advanced functional beverage innovation. We are now leveraging this expertise in the Thai market through solutions aligned with local needs and further enhanced by the distinctive Water Lock™ technology.”

Suntory Hy! Water Lock™” is now available at all 7-Eleven stores nationwide, offering consumers convenient access to the product and enabling the experience of a hydration routine under the concept of “True Daily Hydration,” thoughtfully designed to support the lifestyle needs of modern consumers.