Morinaga To Tap Thailand’s Growing Online Market Offering More ‘Delicious, Fun, and Healthy’ Food Products

Morinaga

Bangkok, xx February 2021: Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan’s leading confectionary producer Morinaga Group, revealed a bold plan to expand Japanese quality confectionery products across the Asia-Pacific. With its Bangkok office established in 2019, Morinaga AP is now ready to serve digital consumers through its online platform and Official LINE Account which millions of Thais use every day.

“Morinaga Asia Pacific was founded in 2019 because we saw quite a promising trend outside Japan. Our Bangkok office in Thailand is set to oversee the operations in the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan. Southeast Asia is a large market not only for confectionery products but for FMCG as a whole. Consumer behavior is very dynamic and Thai consumers are open to new products. We are also gearing up to meet increased demand for heathy lifestyles,” said Teruhiro Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

According to We Are Social and Hootsuite, Thailand is at the forefront of e-commerce adoption, mobile e-commerce adoption, as well as mobile payments. E-commerce spending on food & personal care was valued at 2.34 billion dollars, growing by 74.3%. Thai consumers are using the LINE application on a daily basis for messaging, news updates, entertainment, food delivery and shopping. In 2020, LINE was the top mobile app for consumer spending in Thailand.

“This difficult time and new-normal lifestyle has made the digital channel an inevitable choice in connecting and engaging audiences. Our Thai operation has seen impressive results in the past 15 years. Our four brands, HI-CHEW and DARS, available since 2006, while MANNA and Morinaga Hot Cake Mix, available since last year, have each received a positive response. This is why we are confident in further strengthening our position by connecting with the LINE OA channel to better serve Thai consumers.” Morinaga sees LINE as an extremely useful platform to convey the strength of our brands and superior product quality directly to consumers.

As people are taking more care of their health, Morinaga AP is also looking to meet the diversified demands of consumers through unique, high quality products that encourage people to adopt more health-conscious lifestyles.

With this successful momentum and interest from consumers, Morinaga AP wants to extend its partnerships and collaborations in the future.

Apart from Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia, Morinaga AP is overseeing markets in Australia, New Zealand as well as South Africa. The company intends to build on its success, and capitalize on the popularity of its product line, notably HI-CHEW which has seen tremendous success across markets.

Morinaga Thailand Line Official Account

For more information, please visit: www.morinaga-ap.com

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Morinaga & Co., Ltd. (TSE: 2201), which engages in the manufacture, purchase, and sale of confectioneries. Morinaga AP is a part of the Group’s food manufacturing segment.

Established in 1899, Morinaga has been in business for more than 100 years in the pursuit of our dream of providing delicious and nutritious confectionaries to the people of Japan in their daily lives.

For more information, please contact:
Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Chompunoot Suntiwuttikul Phone: +662-117-1572
Email: [email protected] Fax: +662-117-1572 Ext 7

Hi-Chew Hits Record Sales in December, Expands Line with Soda Pop and Yoghurt Flavours

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY — Hi-Chew has introduced two new peg bags to its product line. One is a 90g Soda Pop mix, featuring Cola and Lemonade flavours. The second is a 90g Yoghurt Mix, with Plain, Strawberry, and Blueberry flavours.

Hi-Chew has also updated the flavours in its 100g peg bag of Tropical Mix, which now features Mango, Pineapple, and Orange.

“We had record sales in December,” said Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., which distributes the famous Japanese chewy candy. “In New Zealand, where we’ve been selling for years, sales have roughly tripled since 2017.”

Hi-Chew is supporting retailers with an expanded marketing campaign on streaming TV channels as well as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

In Australia, Hi-Chew is ranged at 270 Coles stores nationwide, as well as the 37 Daiso shops. In New Zealand, the fruit chews are sold at various retailers nationwide, including Pak ‘n Save and New World.

The other Hi-Chew products in ANZ are sticks in Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple, and Mango, plus peg bags of Original Mix (100g Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple), and Sweet & Sour (90g Lemon, Grapefruit, Watermelon).

“Hi-Chew has a proven inventory of nearly 200 flavours, and these new products have sold very well in other markets,” said Anthony King, Managing Director of Australian distributor Grocery Corporation. “Young buyers like to try new things, and creative products like these are exactly what they’re searching for.”

Hi-Chew was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery companies. The fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, and achieved global sales success.

For video and images (product/campaign), product samples, or further info, contact:

Australia:
Grocery Corporation Pty.
Ms. Morgan Evans
+61-2-8404-0240
[email protected]

New Zealand:
Tokyo Food, NZ
Mark Whiteman
+64-9-570-5792
[email protected]

Website: www.morinaga-ap.com

Hi-Chew Will Expand Ad Campaign to TV

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY — Hi-Chew is rolling out a new advertising campaign on streaming TV channels in Australia. The candy maker will also add YouTube in Australia and New Zealand to the hit campaign that has been running on Facebook and Instagram since October.

The campaign will focus on an animated video titled “Fruit Wrestlers,” with social media platforms featuring new creative executions.

“Young people are the heart of our market, and these media are best for reaching them,” said Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., which distributes the famous Japanese fruit chew. “The digital campaign we launched in recent months has achieved success beyond my dreams, with over 500,000 video views! The addition of TV will only increase that impact.”

The campaign will promote Coles Supermarkets as well as the Hi-Chew website, so consumers can easily find nearby retail outlets.

On YouTube, the animated video will run as an ad prior to the selected content. Both 30-second and 6-second versions will help increase reach. The campaign is expected to generate tens of thousands of video views per day.

Building on Hi-Chew’s theme “Fortune Flavours the Bold,” the campaign will also feature whimsical new ads which ask the question, “What’s your flavour?”

“The use of humour will increase viewing and sharing,” said Cec Parnell, Creative Director of ad agency Sponge, “and funny videos are far more likely to be viewed multiple times. We’ll further engage our audience with a challenge — asking them to nominate their favourite flavour.”

In Australia, Hi-Chew is ranged at selected Coles stores nationwide. In New Zealand, the fruit chews are sold at various retailers nationwide, including Pak ‘n Save and New World.

Packaging includes sticks in Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple, and Mango, as well as peg bags of Original Mix (100g Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple), Tropical Mix (90g Mango, Pineapple, Orange), and Sweet & Sour (90g Lemon, Grapefruit, Watermelon). Two new mixes will be added to the line in the near future.

“Hi-Chew is Japan’s #1 selling soft candy for a reason,” said Anthony King, Managing Director of Australian distributor Grocery Corporation. “As we continue to expand our product line, and Hi-Chew continues to invest in marketing, sales will continue to grow.”

Hi-Chew was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery companies. The fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, and achieved global sales success.

For video and images (product/campaign), product samples, or further info, contact:

Australia: Grocery Corporation Pty.
Ms. Morgan Evans +61-2-8404-0240
[email protected]

New Zealand: Tokyo Food, NZ
Mark Whiteman +64-9-570-5792
[email protected]

Website: www.morinaga-ap.com

Hi-Chew goes bigger and better with hit social media campaign.

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY — Social media are the name of the game when marketing to young people, and Hi-Chew seems to have hit the jackpot with its new digital campaign.

A trial consumer competition in October, focused on Instagram and Facebook, achieved a total reach of more than 140,000 members of the target audience, with an equivalent number of video views and nearly 1,000 likes.

“We’re really happy about the success of this campaign,” said Terry Kawabe, the Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., which distributes Hi-Chew. “Young people are fascinated by our fruit chew. They know it’s been a hit around the world.”

Based on the initial competition’s popularity, Hi-Chew (Japan’s #1 selling soft candy) is expanding the campaign in November and December. It will run in both Australia and New Zealand, with the next competition set for November 9–13.

In October, social media viewers guessed how many pieces of Hi-Chew were in a jack-o’-lantern. For November, Hi-Chew fans will have to guess the number of pieces in a giant vintage bathtub. Winners will receive an entire tub‘s worth of candy!

“‘Fortune Flavours the Bold’ is the theme that drives Hi-Chews,” said Cec Parnell, Creative Director of Sponge, the lead advertising agency in Sydney. “And these competitions are big, bold and full of flavour.”

There will be a third event in December, just in time for Christmas.

In Australia, Hi-Chew has been ranged at selected Coles stores nationwide. In New Zealand, the brand is sold at various retailers nationwide, including Pak ‘n Save and New World.

“Consumer interest and sales continue to grow,” said Anthony King, Managing Director of Australian distributor Grocery Corporation. “We expect that trend to continue, as Morinaga continues to invest in marketing programs.”

Packaging includes peg bags with mixed flavours (100g Original Mix, 100g Tropical Mix, 90g Sweet & Sour) and sticks in four different flavours (Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple, Mango).

Hi-Chew was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery companies. The fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, and achieved sales success worldwide.

For images (product/campaign), product samples, or further info, contact:

Australia: Grocery Corporation Pty.
Ms. Morgan Evans
+61-2-8404-0240
[email protected]

New Zealand: Tokyo Food, NZ
Mark Whiteman
+64-9-570-5792
[email protected]

Website: ​www.morinaga-ap.com

Hi-Chew Sales Off to a Fast Start at Coles

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY — In less than three months, Hi-Chew has become a strong seller at Coles
supermarkets.

Ranged at various Coles locations nationwide since the end of May, peg bags of Hi-Chew
Original Mix ranked a strong 3rd in sales value as of mid-August, with Sweet & Sour near the
Top 10, and Tropical Mix in the Top 20.

“After just a few months in Australia, we’re outselling many famous global brands,” said Terry
Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co. “This parallels the success we’ve
seen in New Zealand, where sales of Hi-Chew have jumped by 300% in five years. At Pak ‘n
Save and New World markets in Auckland, our sales per store hit nearly 1,000 units a month
this year — over 20 units per 100,000 population.”

Morinaga Asia Pacific recently launched an expanded marketing campaign to promote
awareness and sales of Hi-Chew in Australia and New Zealand, featuring the new slogan
“Fortune Flavours the Bold.”

“Hi-Chew is the best-selling soft candy in Japan, and the sales results here in Australia are
highly encouraging,” said Anthony King, Managing Director of distributor Grocery
Corporation. “From the real fruit flavours and unique long-lasting texture to the packaging, this
is a premium candy. To encourage trial purchases, we’ve been supporting our retailers with
monthly 25%-off promotions.”

In Australia, Hi-Chew has been ranged at selected Coles stores nationwide. In New Zealand,
the brand is sold at various retailers nationwide, including Pak ‘n Save and New World.
Available packaging includes peg bags with mixed flavours (100g Original Mix, 100g Tropical
Mix, 90g Sweet & Sour) and sticks in four different flavours (Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple,
Mango).

The candy was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery
companies. The fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, and achieved sales
success worldwide.

For product samples, images, or further info, please contact:
Australia: Jenelle Trisic, Grocery Corporation, +61-2-8404-0240, [email protected]
New Zealand: Mark Whiteman, Tokyo Food, NZ, +64-9-570-5792, [email protected]

Website: www.morinaga-ap.com

Hi-Chew Goes Bold with Expanded Marketing Campaign

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY, July 6, 2020 / PRNewswire — ​Morinaga Asia Pacific is launching an expanded marketing campaign to support retail sales of Hi-Chew fruit chews in Australia and New Zealand.

In recent months, Hi-Chew has been running a test campaign focused on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. Featuring the new slogan “Fortune Flavours the Bold,” the trial program has raised both awareness and sales, especially among Hi-Chew’s core 18–29 age target.

The centerpiece of the expanded campaign is a new 30-second HD animated video, a humorous take on the sport of sumo entitled “Fruit Wrestling.” The new video may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNESkwZ_l7s&feature=youtu.be

The campaign also features a new brand ambassador, Sachiyo Yamada, a Japanese woman who was selected to play for Australia’s national lacrosse team in 2017, winning a bronze medal at the World Games. Hi-Chew’s ramped-up campaign is scheduled to run through the end of October.

Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., said “Hi-Chew is making a major commitment to both the Australia and New Zealand markets. Our candy is the best-selling soft candy in Japan, and sales have more than tripled in the U.S. over the past five years. We plan to do whatever it takes to achieve the same success here.”

In Australia, Hi-Chew has recently been ranged at selected Coles stores nationwide. In New Zealand, the brand is sold at various retailers, including Pak ‘n Save and New World.

“Per-capita consumption of sugar confectionery is much higher in these two markets than in Japan,” said Anthony King, Managing Director of distributor Grocery Corp. “Sales value in the USA rose to US$58 Million last year. We expect to see a rapid growth rate here as well.”

Available packaging includes peg bags with mixed flavours (100g Original Mix, 100g Tropical Mix, 90g Sweet & Sour) and sticks in four different flavours (Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple, Mango).

Hi-Chew is known for an exceptionally long-lasting, chewy texture and a wide variety of bold fruit flavours. The candy was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery companies. The fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, and achieved sales success worldwide.

For samples, images, or further info, please contact:
Australia: Jenelle Trisic, Grocery Corp., +61-2-8404-0240, ​[email protected]

New Zealand: Mark Whiteman, Tokyo Food, NZ, +64-9-570-5792, ​[email protected]

Website: ​www.morinaga-ap.com

Hi-Chew, Japan’s Best-Selling Soft Candy, to Launch in Australia

Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

SYDNEY, Jan. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Hi-Chew fruit chews, the most popular soft candy in Japan, is now available for distribution throughout Australia. Hi-Chew is a top seller throughout Asia, and has achieved fast sales growth in various Western markets, including the United States.

The initial Hi-Chew lineup for Australia includes three peg bags (Original Mix, Tropical Mix, and Sweet & Sour) plus Hi-Chew sticks in four best-selling flavours (Strawberry, Grape, Mango, and Green Apple).

“Over the past five years, Hi-Chew sales have more than tripled in the U.S.,” says Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. “We are in virtually every major retail chain in that market, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Albertsons, HEB, Publix, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, and AM/PM. Our candy is highly popular among young people, so we regularly exceed sales targets.”

Hi-Chew is known for its long-lasting chewy texture and a wide variety of fruit flavors. The candy was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s “Big 4” confectionery companies. Hi-Chew quickly became the best-selling soft candy in its home market. Since then, the fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavors, and achieved success worldwide. The primary distributor in Australia will be Grocery Corporation of Sydney.

“We look forward to launching the Hi-Chew brand in Australia through 2020,” says Anthony King, Managing Director of Grocery Corp. “Hi-Chew has gained a strong and loyal following over the past decade, particularly in the U.S.A. and New Zealand. We look forward to tapping into this global sentiment and replicating international success with the brand locally.”

Hi-Chew has been distributed in New Zealand for seven years, and is currently sold at such chains as Pak ‘n Save and New World. N.Z. sales have exploded by a factor of 11 over six years, and recent research shows Hi-Chew with a market share of 2.2% in the Sugar Confectionery category, ahead of such legendary brands as Skittles, Mentos, and Extra.

Initial offerings in Australia will include three 100/90g peg bags, each with assorted flavors, and 57g sticks in four flavors.

Websites: www.morinaga-ap.com, www.hi-chew.co.nz

Terry Kawabe, Managing Director and CEO of Morinaga Asia Pacific, will be attending trade shows throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2020.