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Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the global confectionery manufacturer and holding company of Morinaga America, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream. This transaction marks a significant expansion of Morinaga's U.S. portfolio, positioning the company to capture market share in the rapidly growing frozen snack category.

Strategic Entry into the US Novelty Ice Cream Market

The acquisition aligns directly with Morinaga’s 2030 business goals, which prioritize the United States as a key region for global growth. By integrating the largest mochi ice cream brand in the U.S., Morinaga gains an immediate, full-scale presence in the domestic frozen dessert sector.

According to Circana data, the U.S. novelty ice cream market generated an estimated $8.6 billion in sales in 2025, demonstrating steady historical expansion. My/Mochi itself reported $80 million in sales for the 52 weeks ending January 25, 2026, solidifying its leadership position within the specific mochi subcategory.

Cross-Category Synergies and Innovation

The merger is designed to leverage Morinaga's extensive research and development capabilities in frozen confectionery—spanning popsicles, ice cream bars, and single-serve cups—alongside My/Mochi’s established market presence and unique production methods.

Teruhiro (Terry) Kawabe, Chief Representative for the USA and President and CEO of Morinaga America, Inc., stated that the acquisition presents a major opportunity to build a sustainable and scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of both entities, the companies aim to accelerate product innovation, unlock new growth opportunities, and create synergies in marketing and distribution.

Leadership and Portfolio Integration

Following the completion of the acquisition, My/Mochi will become a part of Morinaga & Co., Ltd. but will retain its headquarters in Los Angeles. The brand will continue operating under the leadership of its current President and CEO, Craig Berger. Berger emphasized that Morinaga’s global scale and R&D infrastructure will be critical in driving the brand's next phase of market penetration and product development.

The My/Mochi brand will join Morinaga America’s existing U.S. product lineup, which currently includes HI-CHEW®, HI-SOFT®, and Chargel®. This acquisition builds upon Morinaga's broader operational investments in the North American region, including the recently announced plan to increase domestic production capacity by opening a second U.S. HI-CHEW® manufacturing facility in 2027.