Morinaga & Co has moved to deepen its footprint in the United States with a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, marking the Japanese confectionery giant’s formal entry into the fast-growing US frozen dessert segment. The transaction brings together two brands with roots in Japanese confectionery traditions while reinforcing Morinaga’s long-term expansion strategy in one of its priority international markets.
The acquisition comes at a time when Morinaga is scaling its US operations, following its recent announcement to expand production capacity for its flagship Hi-Chew sweets. The company plans to open a second Hi-Chew manufacturing facility in the United States in 2027, signalling increased investment in local production to meet rising consumer demand across North America.
Brandspur Brand News reports that Morinaga described the My/Mochi acquisition as a strategic step aligned with its ambition to accelerate growth in the US while strengthening its global business portfolio. The company said the deal would support broader objectives around product innovation, market reach, and category diversification, particularly within premium and globally inspired food offerings.
Commenting on the deal, Teruhiro Kawabe, chief representative for the USA and president and chief executive officer of Morinaga America, said the company intends to preserve My/Mochi’s brand identity while unlocking new growth opportunities. He noted that combining Morinaga’s scale, research capabilities, and distribution strength with My/Mochi’s market position would allow both brands to deliver greater value to consumers and retail partners across the country.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, My/Mochi has grown into one of the leading mochi ice cream brands in the US, recognised for its premium ice cream wrapped in soft, sweet rice dough. The brand has gained strong traction among American consumers seeking innovative, globally inspired frozen treats, positioning it as a category leader within the mochi dessert segment.
Craig Berger, president and chief executive officer of My/Mochi, said the partnership with Morinaga would accelerate the brand’s next phase of growth. He noted that Morinaga’s global reach and research and development expertise would enhance My/Mochi’s ability to innovate, expand distribution, and reach a broader consumer base in the coming years.
Following completion of the acquisition, My/Mochi will remain headquartered in Los Angeles and continue operating under Berger’s leadership. The brand will be integrated into Morinaga America’s expanding US portfolio, which includes Hi-Chew, Hi-Soft, and Chargel, creating potential synergies across product development, marketing, and distribution.
Founded in Tokyo in 1899, Morinaga & Co is one of Japan’s oldest and most established confectionery manufacturers. Its US subsidiary has played a central role in growing the Hi-Chew brand nationwide since opening its first American manufacturing facility in North Carolina in 2015, and the latest deal underscores Morinaga’s intent to become a stronger force in the US snack and dessert market.
