Pocari Sweat maker views US, Europe heat waves as way to expand

Food & BeverageJapan's Otsuka has world leaders Gatorade and Powerade in its sightsPocari Sweat differentiates itself from global competitors through its medical roots. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)MAYUKO SUZUKI and TSUGUMI KAIAugust 19, 2026 02:48 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka Holdings is doubling down on foreign markets for its Pocari Sweat electrolyte drink, betting that concerns about extreme heat in the U.S. and Europe will help push overseas sales to 100 billion yen ($627 million) in 2028, up about 80% from 2023.