Morinaga & Co. Opens Second HI-CHEW® Factory in Expansion Move

Morinaga & Co., Ltd Unveils Second HI-CHEW® Manufacturing Facility

On April 21, 2026, at an event celebrating its significant milestone, Morinaga & Co., Ltd, which operates under Morinaga America, Inc., inaugurated its remarkable second manufacturing facility designed specifically for HI-CHEW®. The ceremony was held in Irvine, California, and marked a momentous occasion as stakeholders, community members, and state officials gathered to witness the cut of the ceremonial ribbon. This new cutting-edge plant, expanding over 132,000 square feet, is set to double the production capacity of one of the most beloved chewy candies in the United States.

The grand opening drew a crowd including Morinaga leadership, local officials, and community partners who acknowledged the profound influence of the company on local job creation. The ribbon was cut by a stellar lineup: Shinya Mori, President COO of Morinaga & Co., Ltd.; Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), CEO of Morinaga America, Inc.; Teruo Fukushima, President of Morinaga America Foods Inc.; and notable local dignitaries such as Jean Hamilton from the Orange County Board of Commissioners and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

In his speech, Teruhiro Kawabe remarked on the burgeoning popularity of the HI-CHEW® brand, stating, "This expansion allows for the scaling of our operations, enabling our Research & Development teams to experiment with exciting new flavors. We're proud to invest in the Mebane community, creating opportunities for many as well as more memorable HI-CHEW® moments for our fans."

The second manufacturing facility is an investment surpassing $130 million, and it aims to create around 200 new jobs in the Orange County area. This strategic move is essential to meet the rising consumer demand for HI-CHEW® and to fortify partnerships with an expanding retail base. Once fully operational by October 2026, the facility is projected to produce an additional 1.2 billion chewlets each year across various product lines including peg bags and stand-up pouches.

The new factory complements Morinaga America, Inc.'s first U.S. manufacturing facility established in North Carolina back in 2015. This first factory has significantly bolstered the brand's presence in North America, producing millions of chewlets daily and catering to the majority of HI-CHEW® products available in the region. It has also supported an impressive 20% annual growth rate in consumer sales since its inception.

HI-CHEW® is widely available in various flavors at retailers countrywide. The brand prides itself on its unique formulations made with concentrated fruit juices and natural and artificial flavors. Notably, it contains no synthetic colors and is gluten-free—qualities that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Each year, HI-CHEW® expands its flavor offerings, consistently providing exciting new products that delight candy lovers.

In the U.S., HI-CHEW® comes in popular packages such as sticks, peg bags, and stand-up pouches, boasting a diverse range of flavors from classic Strawberry to innovative new mixes. The brand's approach to making candies is grounded in a rich history that dates back to 1899 when Taichiro Morinaga, the company’s founder, revolutionized candy-making. With over 500 flavors existing in its original Japanese versions, Morinaga America, Inc. brings the best of Japanese confectionery to American consumers, thereby enriching the candy landscape.

Offering exciting candies that are fun to eat, HI-CHEW® encourages consumers to choose differently. Whether it’s for a snack or a special treat, this new facility marks not only growth for the company but also a bright future filled with memorable flavors and experiences for candy fans across the United States. For updates and information, visit HI-CHEW.com and follow HI-CHEW USA on social media platforms.

About Morinaga America, Inc.

Established in 2008, Morinaga America, Inc. serves as the official distributor for HI-CHEW®, HI-SOFT™, Chargel™, and My/Mochi in the United States. With manufacturing and sales divisions, it significantly contributes to the brand's footprint in the American market. As the best-selling soft candy in Japan, HI-CHEW® continues its mission to offer diverse and delicious options to treat the candy-loving public.