$80 Million Brand Joins Hi-Chew Powerhouse (Image Credits: Pexels)
Tokyo-based confectionery giant Morinaga & Co. reached a definitive agreement to purchase My/Mochi Ice Cream, the top-selling mochi ice cream brand in the United States.
$80 Million Brand Joins Hi-Chew Powerhouse
My/Mochi posted $80 million in sales over the 52 weeks ending January 25, 2026, according to SPINS data.[1][2] This figure underscores the brand’s dominance in the niche yet rapidly expanding mochi ice cream segment. The acquisition positions Morinaga to blend My/Mochi’s frozen expertise with its established candy lineup.
Teruhiro Kawabe, president and CEO of Morinaga America, highlighted the potential. “In welcoming My/Mochi to the Morinaga family, we see a tremendous opportunity to build a sustainable snacking business positioned for future growth,” he stated.[1] The deal creates synergies across product development and distribution channels nationwide.
Tracing My/Mochi’s Rise from Los Angeles Roots
The brand traces its origins to 1993, when a Japanese baker and an American entrepreneur launched it in Los Angeles, drawing on traditional Japanese confections.[1] My/Mochi offers more than 20 flavors, including strawberry, mango, cookies and cream, and dairy-free sorbets. Its products stand out as soy-free, free of rBST hormones, artificial flavors or colors, and non-GMO.
Production remains vertically integrated in Vernon, California, ensuring quality control from rice dough to final packaging. The company holds the number one market share in U.S. mochi ice cream, per Circana data.[3] This heritage of innovation helped propel sales to $60 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.[3]
Morinaga’s Calculated Push into American Frozen Treats
Morinaga & Co., founded in 1899 as Japan’s first modern candy maker, entered the U.S. market through Morinaga America in 2008. The subsidiary now handles brands like HI-CHEW, HI-SOFT, and Chargel, with manufacturing in North Carolina since 2015. Plans call for a second U.S. factory in 2027 to boost HI-CHEW capacity.[1]
The U.S. novelty ice cream market reached $8.6 billion in 2025 sales, per Circana figures, fueling Morinaga’s strategy.[1] Frozen snacks appeal to younger consumers seeking multi-textural and globally inspired options. Asian flavors have surged in U.S. stores, growing far faster than average grocery sales.[2]
Key benefits of the acquisition include:
- Leveraging Morinaga’s frozen confection know-how from Japan, such as ice cream bars and popsicles.
- Enhancing marketing and nationwide reach for My/Mochi products.
- Driving cost efficiencies and stable supply chains.
- Accelerating new flavor innovations for broader appeal.
Leadership Continuity and Path Forward
Craig Berger will continue as president and CEO of My/Mochi, with headquarters staying in Los Angeles. “We are thrilled to partner with Morinaga & Co., Ltd., a globally reputable company, whose scale and research and development capabilities will enhance our ability to innovate and grow,” Berger said.[1]
The move aligns with Morinaga’s 2030 business plan, emphasizing the U.S. as a core growth region. Executives anticipate combined strengths will unlock new value in frozen desserts, from premium innovations to expanded retail presence.
Key Takeaways
- My/Mochi brings $80 million in sales and top market share to Morinaga’s portfolio.
- The deal taps a $8.6 billion U.S. novelty ice cream market ripe for Asian-inspired growth.
- Expect faster innovation, with leadership intact and synergies across R&D and distribution.
This acquisition signals Morinaga’s commitment to diversifying beyond candy into dynamic frozen categories, potentially reshaping snacking habits for American consumers. What flavors would you like to see next from this powerhouse duo? Share your thoughts in the comments.
