Morinaga & Co., Ltd. Acquires My/Mochi in Strategic Move
Japanese company Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc., has recently announced its acquisition of frozen novelty manufacturer My/Mochi. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
My/Mochi is known for its line of frozen mochi desserts, which consist of ice cream wrapped in a sweet rice dough. Additionally, the company offers non-dairy frozen novelties and mochi sorbets. According to SPINS data, My/Mochi achieved $80 million in sales in the 52-week period ending on Jan. 25.
Teruhiro Kawabe, chief representative for the USA and president and CEO of Morinaga America, Inc., expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “In welcoming My/Mochi to the Morinaga family, we see a tremendous opportunity to build a sustainable snacking business poised for future growth. By leveraging the heritage and innovation of My/Mochi and combining it with our own brands, we aim to bring even more joy and excitement to consumers and customers throughout the US.”
Expanding Portfolio and Business Strategy
The acquisition of My/Mochi expands Morinaga’s existing portfolio, which includes popular confectionery brands like Hi-Chew. This move aligns with the company’s 2030 business plan, which seeks to transition Morinaga into a “wellness company” and concentrate resources on high-growth businesses and markets. The US market is a key focus for growth, with Morinaga having previously invested over $130 million in a second Hi-Chew manufacturing facility in Mebane, NC.
The entrance into the US novelty ice cream market is a significant step for Morinaga, as this segment generated $8.6 billion in sales in 2025, as reported by Circana. The company recognizes the potential for growth in the US ice cream market, particularly in single-serve novelties, clean label products, premium offerings, and sustainability. My/Mochi’s premium mochi ice cream products, known for their quality and variety of flavors, align well with these market trends.
With this strategic acquisition, Morinaga aims to further establish its presence in the US market and capitalize on the growing demand for innovative frozen treats. The combination of My/Mochi’s expertise in mochi desserts and Morinaga’s established brands sets the stage for a successful partnership that will delight consumers and drive business growth.