Tupu Cane Juice opens at Paseo de Marianas

Tupu Cane Juice finally has its own brick-and-mortar store with the opening of its location at Paseo de Marianas last Dec. 27.

General manager Cameron Atalig said clamor from loyal customers who patronized their all-natural, handcrafted sugarcane juice at the Sabalu Market prompted them to open Tupu Cane Juice in the heart of Garapan.

And it couldn’t come at a better time as Saipan’s tourist district is undergoing a major makeover through the Garapan Revitalization Project and catering to tourists, Atalig said, is the next step in Tupu Cane Juice’s growth.

It’s not hard to understand why Tupu Cane Juice has struck such a chord in the local community. Atalig said tupu means sugarcane in Chamorro and Tupu Cane Juice is all about capturing the vibrant flavors and invigorating properties of this ancient tropical plant.

Hand-harvested from the Atalig family’s small farm on Saipan, the cane juice is extracted using traditional and cold-pressed methods, ensuring the highest-freshest quality and nutritional value.

The genesis of the new business was actually an overabundance of sugar cane.

“In late 2022, we had a lot of sugarcanes growing and needed to be harvested. We heard of sugarcane juice being extracted so we purchased a small mini machine. When we tasted the natural goodness and learned of the healthy benefits of this delicious juice, we had to share this with the community.”

At the end of April, Tupu Cane Juice finally debuted at the Sabalu Market and everything—as they say—was history.

“We sold Tupu Cane Juice and were overwhelmed with the positive feedback from the market-goers. We knew we had something good to offer the community,” he said.

Tupu Cane Juice quickly become a favorite at the Sabalu Market, with many returning customers praising its nostalgic flavors reminiscent of childhood sugarcane memories.

From the Sabalu Market, Tupu Cane Juice went on to expand its reach by participating in events like the Taste of the Marianas, Liberation Day Festival, local concerts, and at the T-Galleria in Garapan.

“Now, with the new storefront at Garapan on the Paseo De Marianas, Tupu Cane Juice aims to provide a central hub for sugarcane enthusiasts,” said Atalig.

He said sugarcane juice isn’t just delicious, as it also offers numerous health benefits.

“Packed with natural sweetness, rich nutrients, and minerals, it’s a low-calorie option for health-conscious individuals. The juice’s potent antioxidant properties can help reduce the risk of conditions like kidney stones and joint pain. Furthermore, as a caffeine-free hydrating beverage, sugarcane juice provides a delightful and wholesome alternative to conventional soft drinks,” he said.

Currently, Tupu Cane Juice has a flavor of the week promotion where a revolving list of drinks will be $1 off. The flavors available include Pure Tupu, Coffee Tupu, Fruity Tupu, Berry Tupu, Calamansi Tupu, Coconut Tupu, Strawberry Tupu, Mango Tupu, and Dragon Tupu.

Atalig said it’s his hope through Tupu Cane Juice, sugarcane will eventually become the CNMI’s signature product like how pineapple and mango are synonymous with Hawaii and the Philippines, respectively.

Tupu Cane Juice’s storefront location is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11am to 8pm. Tupu Cane Juice also continues to sell their sugarcane juice at the Sabalu Market and T Galleria (Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday). For more information, check their Facebook and Instagram page. You can also visit their website at www.tupucanejuice.com.