Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Introducing HI-CHEW™ Fantasy Mix: The Moment Fans Have Been Dreaming Of

   February 8, 2022 3:56 pm Leave a Comment

   The three most requested flavors are now available nationwide

   (IRVINE, Calif.) February 8, 2022 – HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy has expanded its innovative portfolio of vibrant products with the introduction of HI-CHEW™ Fantasy Mix featuring three new must-have flavors: Rainbow Sherbet, Blue Hawaii, and Blue Raspberry.

   The world of fantasy unveils a world of imagination, excitement, and delicious possibilities. That is exactly what HI-CHEW™ enthusiasts can expect when opening up a bag of the new Fantasy Mix. Available in a whimsically designed colorful package, this new mix offers unique and nostalgic flavors for HI-CHEW™ fans and candy fanatics alike, standing out against the brand’s traditional fruit-forward flavors and combinations. From the minute you unwrap a Fantasy Mix chew, the double-layer technology full of flavor will transport your taste buds on an enjoyable experience unlike any other: a true candy fantasy. This is the flavor moment HI-CHEW™ fans have been dreaming of. The delectable chews include:

   • Rainbow Sherbet features delicious layers of raspberry, lime, and orange flavors
   • Blue Hawaii takes you to the tropics with notes of sweet citrus and hints of pineapple
   • Blue Raspberry is both a familiar and fantasy-like offering, with a distinct true-to-flavor profile

   HI-CHEW™ is constantly driven by flavor innovation and experimentation. The research and development team continues to bring new flavors to life through each chew to satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere. Consumer feedback is an important factor in the expansion of HI-CHEW’s flavor lineup, and the new Fantasy Mix is a direct result of this process.

   In March 2021, a Neilson survey conducted by HI-CHEW™ showed Blue Raspberry has been a favorite flavor profile amongst the brand’s target audience. In November 2020, HI-CHEW’s own ‘Chew Crew’ survey revealed Blue Hawaii and Rainbow Sherbet rated the highest among non-fruit flavors fans were hoping to one day enjoy. It was incredibly important to the HI-CHEW™ team to make this mix a reality for consumers.

   “The new Fantasy Mix and its unique blend of flavors is a dream come true for our brand fans,” said Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), President and Chief Executive Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. ”We’ve taken our innovation to the next level with these flavor profiles, expanding beyond our fruit-forward offerings to provide a product that will truly stand out at retail. We’re excited for consumers to get to experience Fantasy Mix.”

   HI-CHEW’s New Fantasy Mix provides a double layer of true-to-life fruit flavor and is made with concentrated fruit juices, natural and artificial flavors, and contains no colors from synthetic sources. HI-CHEW™ is also gluten-free. HI-CHEW™ Fantasy Mix is currently available in peg bags at 7-Eleven and Speedway retailers nationwide, with wider distribution planned for later this year. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in sticks, peg bags, and stand-up pouches. The HI-CHEW™ sticks come in a variety of flavors including Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers peg bags in the following flavors: Original Mix, Tropical Mix, Superfruit Mix, Sweet & Sour Mix, Fruit Combos Mix, Soda Pop Mix, Berry Mix, and Plus Fruit. The Stand-Up Pouches are available in Original Mix, Tropical Mix, and Fruit Combos. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is free of gluten and cholesterol, with no colors from synthetic sources. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019. For more information, visit HI-CHEW.com.

2. Morinaga America, Inc., Makers of HI-CHEW™ Announce New CEO

   January 20, 2022 3:54 pm Leave a Comment

   The new year welcomes new leadership for the Morinaga America team with Teruhiro Kawabe

   (IRVINE, Calif.) January 20, 2022— Morinaga America, Inc. (MAI), the official distributor of HI-CHEW™, has announced that tenured Morinaga executive Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry) has been appointed President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MAI as of this month. Kawabe will focus on increasing manufacturing and distribution of MAI products, as well as, leading the marketing team to increase awareness and purchase intent for MAI brands across North and South America markets. With this shift at the executive level, former MAI CEO Mr. Masanori Yasunaga is taking the position of Chairman of the Board. In this role, Yasunaga will oversee the MAI business, as well as Morinaga America Foods (MAF), the manufacturer of HI-CHEW.

   Kawabe has worked with Morinaga for over 30 years, previously serving as President and CEO of Morinaga Asia Pacific (MAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. During his tenure with MAP, Kawabe grew the HI-CHEW™ brand’s distribution footprint throughout New Zealand and Australia, tripling the sales volume in just three years. This new role as President, CEO of MAI is Kawabe’s second working on growing the HI-CHEW brand in the U.S., as he previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2012 to 2016. During that time, he introduced HI-CHEW™ to the mainstream market through distribution expansion in the grocery, food, drug, mass, and convenience channels of trade.

   “I’m very excited to be back in the United States again working with MAI on this special brand,” said Terry, President, CEO of Morinaga America, Inc. “This will be a huge year of growth for our company as we look forward to introducing new products to our HI-CHEW™ portfolio, as well as launching additional Morinaga brands into the U.S. market. We want to continue to deliver new and unique flavors that we know our consumers will enjoy.”

   Morinaga America, Inc is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy, in the United States. The company was first established in Torrance, California in 2008. After continued growth and expansion, Morinaga America Foods (MAF) opened as a manufacturing plant in Mebane, North Carolina in 2015 to help keep up with the growing demand in the U.S. market. HI-CHEW™ has a passion for flavor innovation and continues to conduct extensive research to develop new products, with exciting innovations on the horizon this year.

   HI-CHEW™ products are available in sticks, peg bags, and stand-up pouches in a variety of mouthwatering flavors. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please visit us online at HI-CHEW.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga & Co. Ltd. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in sticks, peg bags, and stand-up pouches. The HI-CHEW sticks come in a variety of flavors including Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers peg bags in the following flavors: Original Mix, Tropical Mix, Superfruit Mix, Sweet & Sour Mix, Fruit Combos Mix, Soda Pop Mix, Berry Mix, and Plus Fruit. The Stand-Up Pouches are available in Original Mix, Tropical Mix, and Fruit Combos. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is free of gluten and cholesterol, with no colors from synthetic sources. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019. For more information, visit HI-CHEW.com.

3. HI-CHEW™ and Zola Bakes are making this Halloween season even sweeter

   September 30, 2021 6:55 am Leave a Comment

   The limited-edition box makes your candy cookie dreams come true

   IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy has teamed up with Zola Bakes, the famous rainbow cookie enthusiasts, to create a one-of-a-kind cookie just in time for Halloween! To celebrate the candy-centric holiday, HI-CHEW™ and Zola Bakes curated a custom box inspired by one of the latest flavor offerings, HI-CHEW™ Raspberry. Throughout the month of October, the HI-CHEW™ x Zola Bakes Halloween box will be available for purchase for $56 at zolabakes.goldbelly.com.

   The limited-edition HI-CHEW™ x Zola Bakes Halloween box includes a unique selection of red and orange ombrè cookies, layered with Raspberry jam and topped with an eye-catching chocolate drip and Halloween decorations galore. HI-CHEW™, like a rainbow cookie, incorporates a layering technique to deliver a more vibrant, true-to-life flavor and color combination within each chewlet. The delectable Raspberry jam found within each layer is a nod to the new HI-CHEW™ Raspberry, which debuted within the Berry Mix earlier this year, while the colors selected for the ombrè cookie pay homage to the Halloween season. This custom HI-CHEW™ x Zola Bakes Halloween box is perfect for bringing together family from afar, sharing with friends at a Halloween bash or surprising your family with a delicious treat for at-home celebrations.

   “We are always looking for ways to bring our flavors and unique candy attributes to life in a fun and engaging way,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “This custom cookie creation with Zola Bakes is a delicious representation of a fan-favorite HI-CHEW flavor merging with a new approach to layered enjoyment. We’re thrilled to have this cookie available for candy fanatics and cookie aficionados this Halloween season.”

   HI-CHEW™ was created as a flavorful disruptor within the candy category and has transformed into the fruity chewy phenomenon it is today. The team continues to follow evolving trends and taste preferences and is dedicated to the development of true-to-flavor offerings that consumers can’t get enough of. Similarly, Zola Bakes set out to take a conventional, classic rainbow cookie and give it a fresh new look with better flavor. Zola Bakes offers customizable colors and various filling options to appeal to a wider, cookie-obsessed consumer base.

   “I am a huge fan of HI-CHEW and was thrilled by the opportunity to design a custom Halloween box with their new Raspberry flavor,” said Samantha Zola, Founder of Zola Bakes. “When I started Zola Bakes, I was on a mission to give the rainbow cookie a millennial make-over. A collaboration with HI-CHEW for the most candy-obsessed holiday is the perfect way to accomplish just that.”

   For more information on ingredients, please visit zolabakes.goldbelly.com. To learn more about HI-CHEW™ and purchase the Berry Mix, along with all other HI-CHEW™flavors, please visit us online at HI-CHEW.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW). To learn more about Zola Bakes, please visit zolabakes.com and follow on  Instagram (@Zola_Bakes) and Facebook (@zolabakes)

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in sticks, peg bags and stand-up pouches. The HI-CHEW sticks come in a variety of flavors including Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers peg bags in the following flavors: Original Mix, Tropical Mix, Superfruit Mix, Sweet & Sour Mix, Fruit Combos Mix, Soda Pop Mix, Berry Mix and Plus Fruit. The Stand-Up Pouches are available in Original Mix, Tropical Mix and Fruit Combos. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is free of gluten and cholesterol, with no colors from synthetic sources. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019. For more information, visit HI-CHEW.com.

   About Zola Bakes:
   Zola Bakes founder Samantha Zola is putting her own spin on the classic rainbow cookie, resulting in a product that’s gone viral. Since sharing pics of her colorful take on the classic rainbow cookie on Instagram in 2017, Zola Bakes has been making popular bite-sized rainbows out of neon almond cake, eye-catching chocolate drip, and glitter. Trained at Épicerie Boulud and Magnolia Bakery, Zola bakes up colorful rainbow cookies in small batches that are delicious beyond your wildest dreams.

4. Introducing a Spectacular Frozen Yogurt from HI-CHEW™ and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

   July 1, 2021 8:05 am Leave a Comment

   Limited-edition flavor, HI-CHEW™ Raspberry Frozen Yogurt brings the vibrant fruit-flavor to life

   IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy has teamed up with Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, North America’slargest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise to unveil a refreshing and flavor-bursting new frozen yogurt flavor – HI-CHEW™ Raspberry! Just in time to celebrate National Berry Month, HI-CHEW™ Raspberry will be available at participating Menchie’s nationwide stores throughout July.

   The limited-edition offering takes inspiration from one of HI-CHEW’s newest flavors, Raspberry, which debuted earlier this year within the Berry Mix. Known for its perfect blend of tart and sweet with a vibrant pinkish hue, HI-CHEW™ Raspberry delivers on that refreshing depth of flavor in each bite. The Menchie’s team and HI-CHEW™ confectionary experts worked to perfect the fruit-forward notes and true-to-life color to create this delectable frozen treat. Inspired by the flavors of summer, this refreshing frozen yogurt will help cool down warm-weather days spent by the pool, at the park or on the beach.

   This is the third collaboration between HI-CHEW™ and Menchie’s. The two brands first teamed up in July 2019 to create HI-CHEW™ Dragon Fruit Frozen Yogurt, a sweet yet tart treat inspired by the fan favorite HI-CHEW™ Dragon Fruit flavor. Together in 2020 they unveiled two flavors, HI-CHEW™ Mango and HI-CHEW™ Passion Fruit, which could be enjoyed on their own or swirled together to create the mouthwatering flavor of HI-CHEW™ Tropical Smoothie.

   “We’ve really enjoyed our ongoing collaboration with the team at Menchie’s,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Our Berry Mix launch, particularly the Raspberry flavor, received an incredible consumer response. We knew this would be the flavor we’d be bringing to life in frozen treat form.”

   HI-CHEW™ has a passion for flavor innovation and continues to conduct extensive research to develop new products that consumers can’t get enough of. The team pays close attention to evolving trends and taste preferences, which has led to the brand’s continued year-over-year double digit growth since its launch in America in 2008. Menchie’s, which has created unique frozen treat flavors since its introduction to the market in 2007, shares a similar commitment to its guests through fresh flavors and unique brand partnerships.

   “We have continued to see great success through our partnerships with Morinaga America, Inc. and are thrilled to launch the delicious Raspberry flavor, throughout the month of July,” said Elizabeth Berry, VP of Marketing at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. “We are committed to offering high-quality frozen treats that appeal to consumers of all ages and are confident that our guests will love our HI-CHEW Raspberry flavor.”

   The new HI-CHEW™ Raspberry frozen yogurt flavor will be available throughout the month of July at participating Menchie’s stores nationwide. Check in with your local Menchie’s location to learn about availability. To learn more about HI-CHEW™ and purchase your favorite products, please visit us online at HI-CHEW.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie, Piña Colada and new Strawberry Lemonade, a Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune, a Berry Mix with Black Cherry, Blueberry and Raspberry and Plus Fruit with Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019.

   About Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt:
   Menchie’s is North America’s largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise. With more than 400 stores, the franchise has locations open in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Australia, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Puerto Rico. Guaranteeing happiness in every cup, the brand offers guests premium rotating yogurt flavors and delicious toppings for unlimited combinations in every bite. The proprietary collection is made from the milk of “happy” California cows, which have not been treated with artificial growth hormones (rBST).  Menchie’s frozen yogurt contains live and active cultures and has received the Live and Active Culture (LAC) seal indicating its endorsement by the National Yogurt Association.

5. Introducing Strawberry Squeeze from HI-CHEW & The Doughnut Project

   June 16, 2021 12:04 pm Leave a Comment

   This limited-edition doughnut explosion arrives just in time to celebrate National Candy Month

   IRVINE, Calif., June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy and New York City-based The Doughnut Project have teamed up for National Candy Month (June) to celebrate the snack holiday in an unexpected way. Say hello to summer with Strawberry Squeeze, a one-of-a-kind doughnut that highlights the latest HI-CHEW™ flavor, Strawberry Lemonade.

   We all know that where there is candy, there is happiness. This National Candy Month, HI-CHEW™ and The Doughnut Project want to take your love of candy to the next level with their mouth-watering partnership. Taking inspiration from HI-CHEW’s newest offering, Strawberry Lemonade, the limited-edition doughnut brings to life the juicy strawberry and sour lemon flavors created when layered into a third flavorful experience. The Strawberry Squeeze doughnut features a lemon curd and strawberry jam filling, merging two satisfyingly delicious flavors together, just like HI-CHEW. The exterior incorporates a HI-CHEW™ Strawberry Lemonade candy glaze, strawberry sugar, and a lemon twist garnish. Each bite tastes just like a summer picnic in the park.

   Earlier this year, HI-CHEW™ launched a new Fruit Combos Standup Pouch, featuring individually wrapped Tropical Smoothie, Piña Colada and new Strawberry Lemonade. As the winner of the 2020 HI-CHEW™ Fantasy Flavor Games, Strawberry Lemonade continues to grow in fanfare and excitement. The fruity, chewy candy brand is right on trend when it comes to releasing this new innovative flavor. Recently, the unique beverage-inspired offering has become a trending flavor once again, gaining traction within the food, beverage and snack industry.

   To celebrate National Candy Month, the doughnut creation will be available for a limited time, Thursday, June 17 – Saturday, June 19 at The Doughnut Project’s West Village location (10 Morton St, NYC). The first 10 customers to purchase a Strawberry Squeeze doughnut each day will receive a free HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos Standup Pouch.

   “Strawberry Lemonade has continued to gain popularity in the states, particularly among our fans who selected it as the 2020 Fantasy Flavor Games winner,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “In honor of National Candy Month, we wanted to bring our new flavor to life in a fun way for candy fanatics. This is our second partnership with The Doughnut Project, who continue to develop delicious recipes that perfectly mimic our flavor offerings.”

   HI-CHEW™ is constantly experimenting with diverse techniques and developing new flavors to expand its growing portfolio. With nearly 1 billion pieces of HI-CHEW enjoyed each year, consumers can’t get enough of the fruity-chewy candy brand. Similarly, The Doughnut Project is well known for their small-batch, innovative creations and playing with unique flavor combinations. Established in 2015, it’s become the home to sweet treats inspired by fresh, seasonal, savory, and even cocktail flavors.

   “We always strive to create unique and out-of-the-box doughnut flavors for our customers,” says Leslie Polizzotto, Co-Founder of The Doughnut Project. “We love working with brands like HI-CHEW, who are excited to experiment and reimagine their product in fun ways. Our team couldn’t get enough of the Strawberry Lemonade flavor, which feels so nostalgic and on-brand for us to bring it to life through a great doughnut.”

   If you can’t get your hands on the one-of-a-kind Strawberry Squeeze doughnut, you can still enjoy the fruit-forward flavor with the HI-CHEW™ Strawberry Lemonade found within the Fruit Combos Stand Up pouch available for purchase on the HI-CHEW website and select retailers nationwide. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie, Piña Colada and new Strawberry Lemonade, a Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune, a Berry Mix with Black Cherry, Blueberry and Raspberry and Plus Fruit with Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019.

   About The Doughnut Project:
   The Doughnut Project is a small-batch, handcrafted doughnut shop located in the West Village of Manhattan. The shop combines some of the best doughnuts in America with an upbeat, artistic vibe. The shop creates unique flavors inspired by the amazing food and creative cocktails of New York City. The doughnuts have glazes, fillings, and toppings that include out-of-the-box ingredients such as bacon, beets, olive oil, ricotta cheese, sesame seeds, black pepper and sea salt. The shop creates new intriguing flavor profiles on a regular basis and sells out daily. To learn more about The Doughnut Project, please follow on Instagram (@thedoughnutproject) and Twitter (@TDP_NYC).

6. Transport Your Taste Buds with the New HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos Stand Up Pouch

   April 13, 2021 10:46 am Leave a Comment

   Introducing Black Cherry, Raspberry and Blueberry to the delicious variety of fan-favored chews

   (IRVINE, Calif.) April 13, 2021 – HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy expands its innovative portfolio of vibrant flavors with the launch of new HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos Stand Up Pouch, featuring individually wrapped Tropical Smoothie, Piña Colada and new Strawberry Lemonade. Creating one fruit-forward experience, each chewlet combines two layers of juicy, mouthwatering goodness to transport your taste buds.

   After being introduced to the market in 2020, HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos, featuring Tropical Smoothie and Piña Colada, quickly became a fan-favorite. HI-CHEW™ is once again adding more double-layer flavor fun to the mix with a new Fruit Combos Standup Pouch. The latest offering takes inspiration from your favorite exotic beverages that many know and love, with the addition of the 2020 HI-CHEW™ Flavor Games Champion flavor – Strawberry Lemonade! The arrival comes just in time as lemonade flavors are gaining popularity. With juicy strawberry on the outside and lemon on the inside, these flavors are layered together to bring the summer classic to life for a third flavorful experience. The three flavors in the new Fruit Combos Standup Pouch come together and provide your taste buds with an escape to paradise.

   “In 2020, we hosted the Fantasy Flavor Games, where consumers selected Strawberry Lemonade as the new offering they’d like to see released in the U.S,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “We are thrilled to be able to launch this flavor in our new Fruit Combos Stand Up Pouch, which perfectly compliments Tropical Smoothie and Piña Colada. The three refreshing flavors tap into consumers’ excitement for tropical beverages and we’re looking forward to seeing the response to the fan-chosen flavor.”

   The addition of Strawberry Lemonade adds to the brand’s ever-expanding flavor offerings. With a passion for flavor, HI-CHEW™ continues to conduct extensive research to develop the ideal flavors for the American consumer, exploring palate preferences and evolving trends. In 2008, HI-CHEW™ was first introduced to the United States market with only 5 flavors available for purchase. Today, HI-CHEW™ is available in 27 flavor offerings. This year alone, the fruity-chewy candy brand released 6 innovative flavors which demonstrates HI-CHEW’s immense growth with the American audience. With nearly 1 billion pieces of HI-CHEW™ enjoyed each year, consumers can’t get enough of the fruity-chewy candy brand.

   The HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos Stand Up is offered in a 11.65 oz. pouch for a suggested retail price of $6.99 (varies per market). HI-CHEW™ Fruit Combos Stand Up Pouch is available for purchase online at HI-CHEW.com and retailers nationwide. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   ###

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie, and Piña Colada, a Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune, a Berry Mix with Black Cherry, Blueberry and Raspberry and Plus Fruit with Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019.

7. Check out our new commercial!

   March 22, 2021 12:45 pm Leave a Comment

   Our newest commercial brings HI-CHEWs magical fruit flavors to life! With a HI-CHEW original tune and a journey through different worlds all their own, our latest video is a reminder that when you choose HI-CHEW you CHEWs to be you!

8. HI-CHEW™ Plus Fruit Introduces Two New Unique Flavor Pairings with Real Fruit Pieces

   March 3, 2021 2:56 pm Leave a Comment

   Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry make their flavorful debut

   (IRVINE, Calif.) March 3, 2021 – HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy expands its innovative portfolio of vibrant flavors with the introduction of HI-CHEW™ Plus Fruit in two new fruity flavors: Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry. Plus Fruit is a fruity, chewy candy mix bursting with flavor with the addition of real fruit pieces.

   HI-CHEW™ enthusiasts and consumers alike loved the addition of real fruit pieces incorporated into the classic chewy candy when Plus Fruit first came to market in 2017. Since then, HI-CHEW™ has reimagined the Plus Fruit flavor offerings to bring a new and vibrant experience for consumers with Orange & Tangerine and Red Apple & Strawberry. Each chew contains two unique flavors combined into one taste explosion that lasts through the final bite. Plus Fruit delivers the true-to-fruit flavor you love from the brand, with real fruit pieces that create the ultimate fruit-forward candy adventure.

   • Orange & Tangerine brings out a burst of tang and sweetness, just like the taste of your favorite citrus fruits. The chewlet mimics the fresh flavor and bold orange color, with sparks of
   • Red Apple & Strawberry incorporates the fruity, sweet, and juicy flavor that both red apple and strawberry are known for. These seasonal fruits come together and deliver a refreshing depth of flavor in each bite.

   “Plus Fruit is such an exciting product offering for HI-CHEW, and we are thrilled to bring it back to the market in a new and unique way for our brand fans,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc.”Tapping into consumers’ continued interest for two fruit flavors in one, Plus Fruit seamlessly blends two delicious flavor offerings with the added fun of real fruit pieces, making the HI-CHEW  experience even more fulfilling.”

   Since the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc., Morinaga & Co., first launched HI-CHEW™ in 1975, the candy has been created in over 200 flavors. Driven by flavor innovation and experimentation, the research and development team continues to bring fruit flavors to life through each chew. The new flavors provide an exciting mix of sensationally vibrant tastes with the addition of real fruit pieces to enjoy all year long. As the American palate expands and global cuisine becomes more widely appreciated, there’s opportunity to introduce even more distinct flavors to the U.S. market. With nearly 1 billion pieces of HI-CHEW™ enjoyed each year, consumers can’t get enough of the fruity-chewy candy brand.

   HI-CHEW™ Plus Fruit is offered in a 3-ounce peg bag for a suggested retail price of $2.59 (varies per market). HI-CHEW™ Plus Fruit is available for purchase at various retailers nationwide and online at HI-CHEW.com. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   ###

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:

   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:

   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie and Piña Colada and Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019.

9. Give Your Taste Buds a Burst of Happiness with the new HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix

   February 4, 2021 5:44 pm Leave a Comment

   Introducing Black Cherry, Raspberry and Blueberry to the delicious variety of fan-favored chews

   (IRVINE, Calif.) February 4, 2021 – HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy expands its innovative portfolio of vibrant flavors with the launch of the HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix, featuring three new offerings: Black Cherry, Raspberry and Blueberry. No need to wait for summer to enjoy your favorite berry flavors, these are always in season.
   
   Inspired by consumers’ beloved bite size fruit flavors, the new HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix stays true to their refreshing origin. All three flavors will transport your taste buds into a berry field of goodness and embrace warmer days enjoying your favorite go-to seasonal fruit. Each mouthwatering chewlet in this mix provides the juicy burst of freshness bringing your favorite berry notes to life. In addition to flavor, HI-CHEW™ utilized its double-layer technology to ensure that the latest offerings showcase the fruits’ vibrant colors within each chewlet.

   • Black Cherry is known to be a deliciously sweet fruit, almost like eating candy on a stem. The HI-CHEW™ Black Cherry mimics both the ripe flavor and bold red color.
   • Raspberry provides the perfect blend of tart and sweet with a vibrant pinkish hue. HI-CHEW™ Raspberry delivers on that refreshing depth of flavor in each bite.
   • Blueberry is a one-of-a-kind antioxidant superfood. The HI-CHEW™ Blueberry brings out a burst of tang and sweetness, just like grabbing a handful of blueberries right off the bush.

   “We’ve seen a high demand for berry flavors within the market, with Black Cherry, Raspberry and Blueberry consistently showing up as fan favorites in the States,” said Tatsuya Takamiya, Chief Marketing Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Tapping into consumers’ excitement for authentic fruit flavors, our research & development team was able to perfectly capture the true-to-life flavor and give consumers a vibrant experience with each bite. We’re excited to reveal these new offerings that showcase a delightful and refreshing take on Americans’ favorite berry flavors.”

   Since the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc., Morinaga & Co., first launched HI-CHEW™ in 1975, the candy has been created in over 200 flavors. With a passion for flavor, the brand continues to conduct extensive research to develop the perfect flavors for the American consumer, exploring palate preferences and evolving trends. With nearly 1 billion pieces of HI-CHEW™ enjoyed each year, consumers can’t get enough of the fruity-chewy candy brand.

   The HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix is offered in a 3-ounce peg bag for a suggested retail price of $2.59 (varies per market). HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix is available exclusively at 7-Eleven locations nationwide. Starting April 27, HI-CHEW™ Berry Mix will be available for purchase at additional retailers and online at HI-CHEW.com. To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW).

   About Morinaga America, Inc.:
   Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America, Inc. opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

   About HI-CHEW™:
   The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie and Piña Colada and Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually. In 2020, HI-CHEW™ won a Nielsen Design Impact Award for its new Original Mix packaging update that hit shelves in 2019.

10. HI-CHEW™ Named 2020 Global Nielsen BASES Design Impact Awards Winner

    December 10, 2020 10:21 am Leave a Comment

    The award recognizes dynamic consumer package redesigns

    IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy has been named a winner of the 2020 Global Nielsen BASES Design Impact Awards, an award that recognizes impactful package redesigns in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. Among the 2020 winners was the 100g HI-CHEW Original Mix peg bag, recognized for its success in increasing retail dollar sales and units during the year that followed the redesign launch. This announcement marks the first time a Japanese brand has won this award.

    The main objective of the HI-CHEW™ Original Mix redesign was to capture the bright, fun and colorful essence of the fruity, chewy candy brand. It was also important that the product’s unique traits and benefits of delivering true-to-life fruit flavors and a long-lasting chewy texture were clearly communicated and well represented on the design as well as on the store shelves. The new design roll-out showcased HI-CHEW’s commitment to growing the brand in the United States while also providing the brand with a great story to share with the industry, as well as consumers. The updated packaging provided the team with an exciting incentive to push harder for new retail opportunities and elevate the sell-in strategy for more distribution opportunities.

    As HI-CHEW™  has continued growing rapidly in the United States, it was important for the team to clearly understand how consumers perceived the current package and product. To uncover this information, HI-CHEW focused its brand and product marketing strategy on more research and consumer driven insights. As HI-CHEW™ began collecting data, the brand quickly realized that there was a misalignment between the product design and HI-CHEW’s identity. The new packaging design is a direct response to these findings – a flavorful and vibrant evolution that demonstrates HI-CHEW’s expansion throughout the country.

    “For consumers who were not familiar with our brand, we found that the packaging didn’t quite showcase how premium and unique HI-CHEW is,” said Jennifer Moling, Product Marketing Manager. “We knew that by utilizing consumer input at the helm of the redesign strategy, we would be able to create a new package that would align with our product attributes and what consumers love most about our candy. We’re honored to be selected as one of Nielsen BASES Design Impact winners for our Original Mix design and excited for our continued innovation.”

    Since the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc., Morinaga & Co., first launched HI-CHEW™ in Japan in 1975, the candy has been created in over 200 delicious flavors. HI-CHEW flavor experts continue to develop the most authentic flavors and eye-catching packaging through detailed research into consumers’ palates, preferences, and trends. With this thorough and selective flavor-making process and packaging research, the brand continues to grow and expand its portfolio in the United States. HI-CHEW is looking forward to expanding the flavor portfolio even further with several 2021 launches to continue to bring fruit flavors to life through each chew.

    To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram (@HICHEWUSA) and Twitter (@HICHEW). Additional information on the 2020 Global Nielsen BASES Design Impact Awards is available here.

    About Morinaga America, Inc.:
    Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. is the official distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 200 flavors of HI-CHEW™ having debuted in Japan, Morinaga America, Inc. has introduced the United States market to the best of Japanese confectionery. Morinaga America, Inc. (marketing and sales) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (manufacturing) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first, modern candy maker and producer of chocolates in Japan. In 2015, Morinaga America opened its first United States manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

    About HI-CHEW™:
    The history of Morinaga stretches back over a century when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought his candy making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling soft candy in Japan and continues to see year-over-year growth throughout other parts of Asia and in the United States. In the United States, HI-CHEW™ is currently offered in the following flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Banana, Kiwi, Açaí, and Sweet & Sour Watermelon. HI-CHEW™ also offers a Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango, and Pineapple, a Superfruit Mix with Açaí, Kiwi and Dragon Fruit, a Sweet & Sour Mix with Grapefruit, Lemon and Watermelon, a Fruit Combos Mix with Tropical Smoothie and Piña Colada and a Soda Pop Mix with Cola and Ramune. HI-CHEW™ is made with concentrated fruit juices and is free of gluten, and synthetic colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually.

    About Nielsen:
    Nielsen Holdings plc is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Nielsen is divided into two business units. Nielsen Global Media provides media and advertising industries with unbiased and reliable metrics that create a shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. Nielsen Global Connect provides consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and insights and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that companies need to innovate and grow.

    Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what’s happening now, what’s happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge.

    An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in over 90 countries, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.