IRVINE, Calif. — Morinaga & Co., Ltd. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream. The brand is the largest mochi ice cream company in the United States. The acquisition supports Morinaga’s expansion in the fast-growing U.S. frozen snack market.
The deal was announced on March 9, 2026. It brings together two companies rooted in Japanese confectionery traditions. The move also strengthens Morinaga’s presence in North America’s packaged snack industry.
The acquisition follows Morinaga’s broader growth strategy in the United States. The company recently announced plans to open a second U.S. manufacturing facility in 2027. The factory will increase production of its flagship candy brand, HI‑CHEW.
By adding My/Mochi to its portfolio, Morinaga gains immediate entry into the frozen dessert category. The acquisition allows the company to scale quickly within the segment.
According to Circana’s MULO + Convenience 2025 Week 52 data, the U.S. novelty ice cream market reached $8.6 billion in sales in 2025. The category has shown steady growth in recent years. Rising demand for portable frozen snacks is contributing to that expansion.
My/Mochi was originally introduced in Los Angeles in 1993. The brand is known for its combination of premium ice cream wrapped in sweet rice dough. This format is rooted in traditional Japanese mochi desserts.
The brand has expanded its distribution nationwide. Today it offers more than 20 flavors. These include strawberry, mango, cookies & cream, and cookie dough.
According to SPINS MULO data for the 52 weeks ending January 25, 2026, the company generated approximately $80 million in sales. The performance reinforces its position as the leading mochi ice cream brand in the United States.
Leadership sees innovation opportunities
Company leadership says the acquisition is designed to accelerate product innovation and expand Morinaga’s frozen confectionery capabilities.
According to Teruhiro (Terry) Kawabe, president and CEO of Morinaga America, Inc., the move aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy in the United States.
“In welcoming My/Mochi to the Morinaga family, we see a tremendous opportunity to build a sustainable snacking business positioned for future growth,” Kawabe said, adding that the company plans to combine its brand development and flavor innovation capabilities with My/Mochi’s established presence in the frozen aisle.
My/Mochi leadership also highlighted the potential for expanded research and development.
According to Craig Berger, president and CEO of My/Mochi, the partnership will provide access to greater resources and distribution reach.
“We’re 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.
Once the transaction closes, My/Mochi will remain headquartered in Los Angeles, continuing operations under Berger’s leadership.
Why it matters
Morinaga’s acquisition reflects the continued expansion of globally influenced snack formats in the U.S. frozen dessert market.
Products like mochi ice cream combine traditional Asian confectionery techniques with modern convenience packaging. This format blends heritage desserts with grab-and-go snacking. The combination has gained traction with younger consumers. It is also becoming more popular in specialty grocery retail.
For international snack companies, acquisitions are becoming a common strategy. Many brands are choosing to buy established companies instead of building new ones from scratch. This approach allows faster entry into high-growth categories. It also reduces the time needed to build brand awareness.
The deal also highlights the growing role of cross-cultural food innovation. Global companies are adapting heritage products for mainstream U.S. retail channels. This helps introduce traditional foods to wider audiences.
Demand for frozen snacks continues to grow. As the category expands, partnerships between global confectionery manufacturers and niche brands may become more common. These collaborations can help scale emerging dessert formats. They may also accelerate innovation across the frozen snack market.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
For food manufacturers and private label brands, Morinaga’s acquisition of My/Mochi highlights a broader CPG trend. The U.S. market is seeing rapid growth in internationally inspired snack formats. Products that combine cultural authenticity with convenient packaging are gaining traction. Retailers and consumers are responding positively to these offerings. This shift creates opportunities for brands to experiment with new textures, ingredients, and dessert formats.
At Source86, we support food brands navigating this evolving landscape. We connect companies with trusted ingredient suppliers. We also work with experienced co-manufacturing partners. In addition, we help brands access private label production resources. Our platform supports frozen dessert ingredients, scalable R&D, and bulk sourcing. These services help companies build reliable supply chains as demand for globally inspired snacks continues to grow. Let’s talk.
FAQs
My/Mochi Ice Cream is a U.S. frozen dessert brand known for mochi ice cream, a product that combines premium ice cream with a soft outer layer of sweet rice dough.
After the deal closes, My/Mochi will become part of Morinaga & Co., Ltd. while continuing to operate from its Los Angeles headquarters.
The acquisition allows Morinaga to enter the U.S. frozen dessert market at scale and expand its snack portfolio beyond confectionery brands like HI‑CHEW.
External source: Morinaga & Co., Ltd. to Acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, Expanding Its U.S. Snack Portfolio
