TOKYO -- As incomes rise in Southeast Asia, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and opting for low-calorie tea beverages as opposed to sugary soft drinks.
At a Japanese cultural event in Bangkok in September, Thai women in traditional Japanese summer dresses handed out bottles of Ito En's green tea. Chat Lonchay, 32, said it tasted a little bitter and he preferred sweeter teas. His friend, Pawinee Jirananwattana, 31, said it seemed healthy.
