BEPPU, Oita Prefecture--Students at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) and a local food producer have developed Honey Soy Sauce for a prospective Muslim clientele and possible global sales.

The student team, including members from Vietnam and Singapore, and Fundokin Shoyu Co. based in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, unveiled the product on Dec. 11 on the APU campus in Beppu.

“We couldn’t have come up with a better product,” said Bahar Geni Gayani Mali, a 28-year-old Sri Lankan who heads the team of students. “We hope to develop marketing strategies in the days to come to spread our product across the world.”

APU, Fundokin and a Tokyo-based business development firm signed an agreement in May 2017 to kick-start a project for commercializing Halal soy sauce and related products.

A survey of 800 APU students conducted before the agreement showed there was a preference for sweet soy sauce.

The team of students discussed the survey results and decided to use honey, which is touted in the scripture of Islam as good for health.

They said the new condiment stems from a wealth of ideas presented by diverse members of the team.

During a campus festival in October last year, the developers had 500 individuals taste the prototype soy sauce and asked for their views, including advice on packaging and fragrance.

Some of the suggestions, including a more readable English-language label, were reflected in the final product.

The honey soy sauce is produced without the use of alcohol, consumption of which is forbidden in Islam. The product was certified as Halal, or conforming to Islamic precepts, by the nonprofit Japan Halal Association in late November.

“Nasi goreng,” an Indonesian fried rice dish, and “niku jaga,” a Japanese dish with simmered meat and potatoes, were among the delicacies prepared with the honey soy sauce and served at the unveiling ceremony for students and other attendees.

“I can use this product when I cook on my own and can take it with me when I go out with friends to eat sushi,” said Ardhina Mulya Lalita, a 20-year-old Muslim student from Indonesia, looking pleased.

“A craze for Japanese food has prompted a global rise in demand for soy sauce,” said Fundokin President Kyoji Kotegawa. “We are ready to enter business talks if we receive inquiries. We will also weigh the option of marketing the product overseas.”

Honey Soy Sauce will go on sale Jan. 7 at a cooperative store on the APU campus and on Fundokin’s online shop. A 210-milliliter bottle will be priced at 400 yen ($3.52) plus tax.

The sales target is 100,000 bottles for the initial year.