Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Enjoy a Flavor-cation with New HI-CHEW™ Açaí and Tropical Mix

   May 3, 2018 9:11 pm Leave a Comment

    HI-CHEW’s exotic portfolio expands with addition of Açaí and two new Tropical Mix flavors

   (IRVINE, Calif.) May 3, 2018—HI-CHEW™, the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy, is announcing the launch of all new HI-CHEW™ Açaí and HI-CHEW™ Tropical Mix, with individually wrapped Kiwi, Mango and Pineapple flavors. Just in time for the warmer months ahead, these two new product offerings are upping the flavor ante, giving consumers’ taste buds an authentic and bright explosion of real-fruit flavor packed into each chewy bite.

   “Consumers’ tastes have shown a continued interest in unique and unexpected fruit flavors,” said Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Our team of research and development experts is constantly experimenting with various flavor profiles to ensure we’re achieving the real-fruit flavor HI-CHEW™ is known for. The new Açaí flavor and Tropical Mix assortment do just that, provide an exciting mix of sensationally vibrant tastes to enjoy all year long.”

   HI-CHEW™ Açaí and Tropical Mix deliver the same juiciness, chewy texture, and real-fruit flavor HI-CHEW™ fans love. Made with real fruit juices and purees, each chew is the perfect snack for candy enthusiasts of all ages.

   HI-CHEW™ Açaí

   New HI-CHEW™ Açaí delivers a bright burst of sweetness and includes real chia seeds. The açaí berry, high in antioxidants, is known for its superfood properties and refreshingly delicious fruit flavor. Each Açaí stick comes with 10 individually wrapped chews, giving fans a great way to enjoy this popular flavor on-the-go.

   HI-CHEW™ Tropical Mix

   HI-CHEW™ Tropical Mix includes an exotic mix of flavors, including fan-favorite Mango, and two exciting new additions, Kiwi and Pineapple. New to the national HI-CHEW™ flavor portfolio, Pineapple delivers a bright and juicy flavor with a balanced blend of sweet and tart. With the three delicious flavors to choose from, the Tropical Mix is sure to provide a sweet treat for all the summer adventures ahead.

   This year, Morinaga America, Inc. celebrates 10 years of innovating HI-CHEW™ flavors for its ever-growing and enthusiastic United States fan base. Each flavor within the HI-CHEW™ portfolio, including the new Açaí and Tropical Mix, are selected and tested by a team of flavor experts who conduct detailed research into consumers’ palates, preferences and fruit trends in the market. This selective process is what brings the flavors HI-CHEW™ fans know and love to life. As the brand continues to grow in the United States, HI-CHEW’s ongoing success is a true testament to the candy’s can’t-get-enough, authentic fruit flavors and unique chewy texture.

   HI-CHEW™ Açaí and Tropical Mix bags are available at various retailers nationwide and online at www.HI-CHEW.com. Açaí has a suggested retail price of $1.39 (varies per market). The Tropical Mix bag is available for a suggested retail price of $2.39 (varies per market). 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 manufacturer and distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 170 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, and Açaí. HI-CHEW™ also offers Sours in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit, Fizzies in Cola and Orange Soda, and a new Tropical Mix with Kiwi, Mango and Pineapple. HI-CHEW™ is made with real fruit juice and purees and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and artificial colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually.

   Contact:

   Kayleigh Westerfield | Morinaga America, Inc.| kwesterfield@morinaga-america.com | 949-732-1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

2. HI-CHEW™ Becomes Official Partner of the Los Angeles Angels for the 2018 Season

   March 28, 2018 9:45 pm Leave a Comment

   Partnership marks the candy brand’s continued footprint amongst Major League Baseball fans.

   (IRVINE, Calif.) March 28, 2018—HI-CHEW™, a subsidiary of Morinaga America, Inc., today announced its partnership with the Los Angeles Angels. The new alliance will bring the immensely fruity, intensely chewy candy into Angel Stadium throughout the 2018 season, with on-site activations, product sampling during select games and availability for fans to purchase and enjoy HI-CHEW™ at concession stands. Beyond HI-CHEW’s affiliation with the Angels, the brand is also excited to enter its third year as an official partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

   “We are thrilled to be a part of baseball culture, particularly in Los Angeles, a city that has quickly become HI-CHEW’s home base in America,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Our new partnership with the Angels and continued relationship with the Dodgers will provide players and fans alike the ability to enjoy HI-CHEW™ at every ballgame.”

   Throughout baseball history, no ballpark experience has been complete without the best eats. The nostalgia of snacking between innings continues to be an important part of the game today. Over the past few years, HI-CHEW™ has gained popularity as the ideal stadium snack. Whether enjoyed in the dugout or in the stands, each piece of HI-CHEW™ tastes like a home run. With long-lasting chewy texture and real fruit juices and purees, there’s truly a flavor for everyone.

   “We are delighted to welcome HI-CHEW™ to the Angels Family,” said Angels Chairman, Dennis Kuhl. “We’re excited to add another great snack option at the ballpark, and we are looking forward to working together to support the local baseball community.”

   Beyond the iconic Freeway Series in July, with the Angels playing the Dodgers, HI-CHEW™ will hold sampling events at several home games throughout the season for each team.

   HI-CHEW™ will continue to support the local Little League as the Presenting Sponsor of Youth Baseball and Softball Sundays at Angel Stadium, featuring sampling activations during the below game dates:

   • Sunday, April 8: Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics
   • Sunday, April 22: Los Angeles Angels vs. San Francisco Giants
   • Sunday, April 29: Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees
   • Sunday, May 20: Los Angeles Angels vs. Tampa Bay Rays

   HI-CHEW™ will also have special sampling promotions at Dodger Stadium during the following game dates:

   • Sunday, April 22: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals
   • Sunday, May 27: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
   • Sunday, August 5: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Houston Astros

   To see a full list of sampling events, please visit www.hi-chew.com/events/.

   To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please go to www.hi-chew.com. You can also 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 manufacturer and distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 170 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, Melon, and Kiwi. HI-CHEW™ also offers Sours in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit and Fizzies in Cola and Orange Soda. HI-CHEW™ is made with real fruit juice and purees and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and artificial colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually.

   Contact:

   Kayleigh Westerfield | Morinaga America, Inc.| kwesterfield@morinaga-america.com | 949-732-1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

3. In Celebration of Morinaga America, Inc.’s 10-Year Anniversary, HI-CHEW™ Launches ‘East Meets West’ Flavor Challenge

   March 12, 2018 10:45 pm Leave a Comment

   To honor its Japanese roots and commemorate a decade of success in the United States, HI-CHEW™ invites fans to vote on which flavor they want launched in 2019.

   IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Morinaga America, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of the popular soft candy HI-CHEW™, has launched an East Meets West Flavor Challenge. The challenge invites candy fanatics to participate in choosing which unique Japanese HI-CHEW™ flavor they would like to see available in the United States in 2019. Since the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc., Morinaga & Co., first launched HI-CHEW™ in 1975, the product has been available in over 170 flavors. For the first time, American consumers will have the opportunity to cast their vote and select from a list of exotic HI-CHEW™ flavors including Banana Fizz and Strawberry Cheesecake. Voting begins today on www.voteeastmeetswest.com and runs through March 31, 2018. The winning flavor will be revealed on April 10, 2018 and will be available for United States consumers to purchase next spring.

   The East Meets West Flavor Challenge pays homage to the brand’s Japanese heritage and its success over the past decade of growing HI-CHEW™ in the United States. Taichiro Morinaga originally traveled to the United States to learn the secrets of candy making in the late 1800s before returning to Japan to establish Morinaga & Co., now a leading confectionary and frozen desserts manufacturer.

   “The United States has always been a very special country for Morinaga, as it was where my grandfather fell in love with candy making,” said Gota Morinaga, Chairman of Morinaga & Co. “All these years later, we are honored to call America our home and to celebrate this tremendous milestone. We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond to continue to innovate, excite and deliver deliciously fruity, chewy HI-CHEW™ and more to our fans here.”

   The spirit of Taichiro Morinaga returned to the United States in 2008, which brought the founder’s love for sweets back to where it all began. Since HI-CHEW™ first launched in the United States 10 years ago, Morinaga America, Inc. has experienced year-over-year double-digit growth, a testament to the “can’t-get-enough” chewy candy.  Today, 22 pieces of HI-CHEW™ are eaten every second. That’s 1,320 pieces per minute, 79,200 pieces per hour, 1,900,800 per day and almost 700 million pieces of HI-CHEW™ per year!

   HI-CHEW™: Behind the Flavors
   In Japan, it is considered impolite and somewhat taboo to remove food from one’s mouth. This is why HI-CHEW™ was originally created in 1975 as a substitute for chewing gum. It quickly became an instant success across Asia and has since launched internationally because of its true-to-fruit flavor offerings and one-of-a-kind chewy texture.

   HI-CHEW™ flavor concepts begin through a very careful and detailed research and development process. Qualitative and quantitative research is conducted to identify consumer wants and trends within each market. Once demand is identified, HI-CHEW’s team of flavor experts create multiple rounds of flavor profiles to achieve the most real fruit flavor options. Offerings are particularly selected according to consumers’ palates.

   “The Japanese consumer’s palate is uniquely fickle, which allows for innovation and experimentation when it comes to different flavor offerings,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “As the American palate expands and global cuisine becomes more widely appreciated, we look forward to potentially introducing even more distinctly Japanese flavors to the United States market.”

   Through the East Meets West Flavor Challenge, consumers will choose from 20 Japanese flavors to determine which one has what it takes to make it here in the United States. Fans will pick from fruit-forward flavors like Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Dragon Fruit, Lilikoi and Lychee, as well as dessert-like offerings such as Cotton Candy, Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Covered Banana. Every vote counts!

   To learn more about the East Meets West Flavor Challenge and to enter your vote, please go to www.hi-chew.com. You can also 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 manufacturer and distributor of HI-CHEW™ in the United States. With over 170 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, Melon, and Kiwi. HI-CHEW™ also offers Sours in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit and Fizzies in Cola and Orange Soda. HI-CHEW™ is made with real fruit juice and purees and is 100% free of gluten, cholesterol and artificial colors. HI-CHEW™ continues to expand fruity, chewy flavor offerings annually.

4. HI-CHEW™ Renovates New Field for El Toro High School Softball Program

   August 23, 2017 9:37 pm Leave a Comment

   The Chargers & their families have a new home to play ball

   (Irvine, California) August 23, 2017— Today HI-CHEW™, the sensationally chewy, long-time #1 soft candy in Japan and new American favorite, unveiled their latest project: the renovation of the El Toro High School softball field, home of The Chargers in Lake Forest, California. With HI-CHEW’s™ U.S. headquarters based nearby the Lake Forest area, the company has been longtime supporters of the local community and heard of the need for a field renovation due to wear and tear over time. HI-CHEW™ funded the construction and was an active participant in the revamping of the field.

   El Toro High School, whose baseball team has an impressive legacy with 8 league championships won is eager to set the school’s softball team up for equal success with the help of HI-CHEW™.

   “We’re so proud to give the El Toro High School softball team a new home,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “The Chargers are a big part of our local community. They’re true champions and deserve a field they can be proud of and see continued success.”

   The field renovation included a new fence surrounding the outfield, grading for the bullpens, a new stonewall at the backstop of the field and overall field refurbishment ridding any weeds and gravel. In addition to receiving the new field, The Chargers softball team accompanied by their head coach, Shannon Tinsley, were invited to throw the first pitch at Dodger Stadium this past Sunday, where the field makeover was announced and shared with the greater L.A. community.

   “We are so excited and appreciative of HI-CHEW’s™ generosity in providing our school with a newly renovated field,” said Shannon Tinsley, head coach of the El Toro High School Softball Team. “Our field was in rough shape, but with this update our players and their families now have a new space to call home and play their favorite game in a safe, healthy and stimulating environment.”

   On Tuesday, HI-CHEW™ and the El Toro High School softball team and their families celebrated the official opening of the field with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Representatives from Morinaga America, Inc. were there alongside head coach Shannon Tinsley and Stella Escario-Doiron, Chief Facilities Director for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

   To learn more aboutHI-CHEW™, please go to www.hi-chew.com, like us at https://www.facebook.com/HiChew/, and follow us at https://www.instagram.com/hichewusa/ and https://twitter.com/hichew.

   About Morinaga America, Inc. & HI-CHEW™: 

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young.  In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi.  The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Kayleigh Westerfield | Morinaga America, Inc.| kwesterfield@morinaga-america.com | 949-732-1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

    

    

5. HI-CHEW™ Teams Up with the Los Angeles Dodgers to Deliver Flavorful Moments All Season Long

   April 3, 2017 1:36 am Leave a Comment

   Irvine, California—April 3, 2017— Just in time for Opening Day, HI-CHEW™, the sensationally chewy fruit, candy from Japan is partnering with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a second year to give players and fans the opportunity to savor the flavor of fun at the ballpark. HI-CHEW™ will host on-site activations, product sampling and surprise and delight elements during select home games throughout the 2017 season. HI-CHEW™ will also be available for purchase at concession stands in Dodger Stadium.

   Since baseball’s inception, snacks have always been an important part of the ballpark experience. Fast-forward to today, and the nostalgia of food during the games is still nothing short of a homerun. As HI-CHEW’s™ popularity continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of Americans, the baseball field is the perfect opportunity for Los Angeles Dodgers fans and players to enjoy HI-CHEW’s™ vibrantly juicy flavors.

   “While HI-CHEW™ originated in Japan, here in the United States we call Los Angeles our home,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Thus, we are so excited to be teaming up with the Los Angeles Dodgers once again to bring our delicious candies to the players and incredible fans.”

   Known for real fruit flavor and long-lasting chewy texture, each individually wrapped HI-CHEW™ is satisfying the hankering for something sweet around the seventh inning and beyond. Players, including first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, can’t seem to get enough.

   “I heard about HI-CHEW™ through a fellow baseball friend of mine, and it’s been a love affair ever since,” said Adrian Gonzalez. “It’s my go-to for a flavorful treat whether I’m on the field or on the road. I’m particularly partial to the Cherry flavor, and it’s now become a family treat I share with my daughters.”

   HI-CHEW™ is also celebrating the little champions of the Los Angeles community by participating in a number of Dodger youth events, as well as, taking over the Play Zone at Dodger Stadium.

   For more information regarding HI-CHEW™ sampling events and youth programs please visit www.hi-chew.com/hichewblue

   To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please go to www.hi-chew.com, like us at https://www.facebook.com/HiChew/, and follow us at https://www.instagram.com/hichewusa/ and https://twitter.com/hichew.

   About Morinaga & Hi-Chew:

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Kayleigh Westerfield | Morinaga America, Inc.| kwesterfield@morinaga-america.com | 949 -732 – 1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

6. Enjoy a ‘Pop’ of Flavor with New HI-CHEW™ Fizzies

   March 6, 2017 1:42 am Leave a Comment

   Incredible real soda flavor in every bite

   (Irvine, California) March 6, 2017—Morinaga America, Inc., maker of the ever-popular HI-CHEW™ soft candy is giving taste buds a bit of a ‘pop’ with the introduction of the new soda-inspired HI-CHEW™ Fizzies. Available in Cola and Orange Soda, Fizzies takes the nostalgic flavors enjoyed by kids and adults, and infuses them into the sensationally chewy texture HI-CHEW™ fans love. Fizzies marks the third sub-brand addition to HI-CHEW’s™ rapidly expanding U.S. portfolio, after fan-favorites Sours and Bites.

   Cola: An homage to the original fountain soda, the new Cola chews offer real cola flavor with hints of vanilla and cherry. A slight effervescent texture on the tongue offers a refreshingly sweet experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

   Orange Soda: Packing a punch, Orange Soda is the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and tang. Each bite offers a bright and bold experience that will leave you harking for the soda shop days of yore.

   “We’re constantly looking to create a unique experience and surprise our fans with new flavors they’ll love,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Everyone has a childhood memory associated with soda, and we thought it would be fun to bring those memories to life in a new way through HI-CHEW™.”

   Available nationwide starting March 2017, HI-CHEW™ Fizzies is adding yet another reason U.S. fanfare continues to soar for the HI-CHEW™ brand. With can’t-get-enough-of flavors that make it difficult to eat just one piece, HI-CHEW™ will continue to expand its product line with exciting new varieties in the coming year.

   HI-CHEW™ Fizzies peg bags are now available at various retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

   To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please go to www.hi-chew.com, like us at https://www.facebook.com/HiChew/, and follow us at https://www.instagram.com/hichewusa/ and https://twitter.com/hichew.

   About Morinaga & HI-CHEW™:

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Jennifer Moling | Morinaga America, Inc.| jmoling@morinaga-america.com | 949-732-1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

7. HI-CHEW™ Goes Tropical with the Launch of New Kiwi Flavor

   February 13, 2017 1:45 am Leave a Comment

   Real Ripe Kiwi Fruit Flavor Gives Consumers a Flavorful Escape

   (Irvine, California) February 13, 2017—Morinaga America, Inc. today introduced HI-CHEW™ Kiwi, the newest product to join the rapidly expanding U.S. HI-CHEW™ portfolio. With the winter’s seasonal chill showing no signs of warming up, Kiwi is giving fans a taste of the tropics, packing tart and juicy kiwi flavor into a perfectly chewy bite.

   Made with real fruit juices and purees, HI-CHEW™ Kiwi delivers the same vibrant color and fresh flavor found in kiwis but with the sensationally chewy texture HI-CHEW™ fans have come to love. Real chia seeds are showcased in each individually wrapped chew, mimicking the texture and color of actual kiwi seeds, while the sweet, ripe flavor tingles the tongue. Refreshingly sweet with a hint of citrus, Kiwi gives HI-CHEW™ fans the chance to savor a tropical treat and mentally escape to sunny fun-filled days.

   “Our fan base is always eager to see what new flavors HI-CHEW™ will come out with next,” said Mr. Norio Otsuki, Chief Operating Officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “Our new Kiwi flavor delivers both the look and taste of fresh kiwi fruit, exciting taste buds with bursts of flavor on the-go.”

   Through its fruity, true-to-flavor taste and smooth, chewy texture, HI-CHEW™ continues to deliver delicious, innovative flavors for its ever-growing enthusiastic U.S. fan base. With sales continuing to soar, the product line has plans to expand further with even more new flavors launching in the coming year.

   HI-CHEW™ Kiwi is available now at various retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

   To learn more about HI-CHEW™, please go to www.hi-chew.com, like us at https://www.facebook.com/HiChew/, and follow us at https://www.instagram.com/hichewusa/ and https://twitter.com/hichew.

   About Morinaga & HI-CHEW™:

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana,Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Jennifer Moling | Morinaga America, Inc.| jmoling@morinaga-america.com | 949-732-1155

   Jaimie Caiazzo | Sharp Communications | jc@sharpthink.com | 212-829-0002

8. Morinaga Launches Another New Candy: HI-CHEW™ Bites

   February 29, 2016 5:00 pm Leave a Comment

   • Morinaga Continues Aggressive Expansion in U.S.
   • HI-CHEW™ Bites Is All-New – with Candy Coating over Chewy Center.
   • Plus: New 7-Ounce Gusset Bag of original HI-CHEW™ Added to Mix.

   Irvine, California – Feb. 28, 2016 – Morinaga America, Inc. has announced two more additions to its rapidly expanding product line.

   The first is HI-CHEW™ Bites.  As the name suggests, Bites are a smaller version of HI-CHEW™ candy.  Each piece features a thin candy shell for quick and easy snacking.

   Initially, HI-CHEW™ Bites are being offered in a resealable 1.59-ounce stand-up pouch, and each bag holds two different flavors.  Two versions are now available:

   Grape and Strawberry

   Mango and Orange

   

   The second addition to Morinaga’s product line is a 7-ounce gusset bag of original HI-CHEW™.  The new bag is the latest “Made in USA” product from Morinaga’s factory in North Carolina, and contains individually wrapped pieces of HI-CHEW™ in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, and Grape.

   

   “HI-CHEW™ Bites are one of the most important products Morinaga has ever introduced,” said Terry Kawabe, MA’s Director COO, Senior VP.  “Like our all-new HI-CHEW™ Sours, and our new 14- and 7-ounce bags of ‘Made in USA’ Hi-Chew, Bites are going to be a central feature of our expanding product line in the U.S.”

   MA Marketing Manager Jennifer Moling said, “The resealable bag and candy shell of these smaller HI-CHEW™ Bites make them a perfect snack for anyone on the go.  From school to an office to your car, it’s a perfect little treat, offering our classic fruit taste with a new texture that’s unique to Bites, but still delivers that famous HI-CHEW™ chewiness.”

   About Morinaga & HI-CHEW™:

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Mike Cline                                                                  Morinaga America, Inc.
   media@morinaga-america.com                             18552 MacArthur Bl., 360, Irvine, CA 92612
   Direct phone:  951-217-6464                                    www.morinaga-america.com

9. HI-CHEW™ Introduces All-New Line of Sour Candy

   February 8, 2016 5:40 pm Leave a Comment

   • Morinaga America, Inc. Launches Major Product Line Expansion.
   • “HI-CHEW™ Sours” Offered in Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit Flavors.
   • More Products in Pipeline for HLA “Confectionery Vendor of the Year.”

   Irvine, California – Feb. 8, 2016 – The national sales company for HI-CHEW™ has launched an all-new line of candy called HI-CHEW™ Sours. Morinaga America, Inc. is now taking orders for Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit Sours in a mixed peg bag, and plans to follow up with more new products in coming months.

   “HI-CHEW™ Sours are a key element of our aggressive new U.S. marketing plan,” said Terry Kawabe, MA’s Director COO, Senior VP. “With our new factory in North Carolina, Morinaga America is well-positioned for major expansion of our product line.”

   HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling chewy candy in Japan, and is highly successful throughout the rest of Asia. In recent years, the original HI-CHEW™ has enjoyed unusually strong sales success in the American market, inspiring top convenience store distributor Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) to honor Morinaga America, Inc. as “Confectionery Vendor of the Year 2015.” The new Sours version seeks to address demand from a broader set of customers in the rapidly evolving U.S. market.

   “In the past, most Asian brands have struggled in the mainstream U.S market,” said Jennifer Moling, MA’s Marketing Manager. “However, HI-CHEW™ has achieved an unprecedented level of success, and Morinaga has made a major commitment in America for the long term, investing in an all-new factory, and greatly expanding our marketing efforts for 2016.”

   The introduction of HI-CHEW™ Sours follows the recent launch of a larger new package of original Hi-Chew.  That 14.1-ounce bag is the first product from Morinaga’s new North Carolina production facility. Original HI-CHEW™ is also offered in 3.53-ounce peg bags, and 1.76-ounce sticks.

   HI-CHEW™ Sours are initially being offered in a new 3.17-ounce peg bag, and according to Moling, more new product announcements will follow in the near future.

   About Morinaga & HI-CHEW™:

   The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

   Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

   Contact:

   Mike Cline                                                                                                        Morinaga America, Inc.
   media@morinaga-america.com                                                                  18552 MacArthur Blvd., 360, Irvine, CA 92612
   Direct phone: 951-217-6464                                                                         www.morinaga-america.com

10. As Sales Soar, HI-CHEW™ Raises Ante with New Packaging

    February 1, 2016 5:51 pm Leave a Comment

    • HI-CHEW™ Introduces Upgraded Packaging for Entire Candy Line.
    • “Confectionery Vendor of the Year 2015” Seeks to Boost Rapid Sales.
    • “Made in USA” Badge Marks New 14.1-Ounce Bag from Carolina Factory.

    Irvine, California – Feb. 1, 2016 – Morinaga America, Inc., the national sales company for HI-CHEW™ candy, has just revealed all-new packaging for its full line of products.

    HI-CHEW™ has long been the best-selling chewy candy in Japan, and has been enjoying rapid success in the U.S. market. Top convenience store distributor Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) recently honored Morinaga as “Confectionery Vendor of the Year 2015.”

    “HI-CHEW™ sales have taken off in recent years,” said Terry Kawabe, MA’s Director COO, Senior VP. “And we believe this new packaging will help as we greatly increase our distribution in 2016.”

    “These redesigned packages are a big step forward for HI-CHEW™ ,” said Jennifer Moling, MA’s Marketing Manager.  “Of course our challenges include how to stand out on shelves, and present a cohesive image that communicates what the HI-CHEW™ product and brand are all about.  New materials deliver a much brighter, shinier, eye-catching look.  We are emphasizing fresh fruit images, an enhanced logo, and, for those who haven’t tried HI-CHEW™ before, a more descriptive tagline: ‘Sensationally Chewy Fruit Candy.’”

    

    The product line now includes a larger new package, noted Kawabe.  “This 14-ounce bag is the first product from our new North Carolina production facility.  We decided to commemorate this major milestone with a prominent ‘Made in USA’ badge.”

    The new bags hold a mix of individually wrapped pieces of HI-CHEW™ in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango and Cherry.

    

    HI-CHEW™ stick packages are wrapped in a new foil material which offers a unique sheen.

    Each stick contains individually wrapped pieces in one of six flavors: Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, and Banana.

    There are 10 identical 1.76-ounce sticks per box.

    

    The redesigned peg bags feature brighter colors and more vibrant images of the fruit which are blended into HI-CHEW™ candy in juice form.

    Each 3.53-ounce bag holds individually wrapped pieces of HI-CHEW™. Buyers can select a bag of the most popular flavor, Strawberry, or one of two mixed bags:

    Regular Mix: Green Apple, Strawberry and Grape.

    Tropical Mix: Mango, Banana and Melon.

    About Morinaga & HI-CHEW™:

    The history of HI-CHEW™ stretches back over a century, when company founder Taichiro Morinaga brought candy-making skills to Japan from America in the 1800s. HI-CHEW™ has long been the #1 soft candy in Japan, and in recent years, has also become a hit in the rest of Asia and America, especially among the young. In the U.S., original HI-CHEW™ is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, Melon, and Kiwi. The HI-CHEW™ Sours come in Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit. HI-CHEW™ Bites are offered in Grape, Strawberry, Mango, and Orange and are made with real fruit juice blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free cholesterol or artificial colors.

    Morinaga America, Inc. (sales company) and Morinaga America Foods, Inc. (candy production) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., which began in 1899 as the first maker of chocolates in Japan.

    Contact:

    Mike Cline                                                                          Morinaga America, Inc.
    media@morinaga-america.com                                    18552 MacArthur Bl., 360, Irvine, CA 92612
    Direct phone: 951-217-6464                                           www.morinaga-america.com