As Sales Soar, Hi-Chew Raises Ante with New Packaging

• 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, Calif., Feb. 01, 2016 --  Morinaga America, the national sales company for Hi-Chew candy, has just revealed all-new packaging for its full line of products.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/660de805-4383-4c14-942c-257db3a1aab0

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., Hi-Chew is offered in Strawberry, Green Apple, Mango, Grape, Cherry, Banana, and Melon.  Real fruit juice is blended into the chewy candy, which is 100% free of gluten, 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                                          
[email protected]                                        
Direct phone:  951-217-6464               
Morinaga America, Inc.                             
18552 MacArthur Bl., 360, Irvine, CA 92612
www.morinaga-america.com