In the UK, Yakult was launched in 1996, with the addition of Yakult Light in 2002. Yakult was introduced in Ireland in 2004. At present, Yakult is available in 12 countries throughout Europe. Yakult began its journey in Japan, and has since grown across 38 countries across the world, with more than 111,000 people now working with the organisation. The global corporate philosophy of the Yakult Group is: "We contribute to the health and happiness of people around the world through the pursuit of excellence in life sciences in general and our research and experience in microorganisms in particular."