Morinaga Nutritional Foods Acquires Tofurky, Moocho
Morinaga Nutritional Foods, the U.S.-based manufacturer of Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, has acquired Tofurky, a leading manufacturer of plant-based meats in the United States and its sister brand, Moocho. With the acquisition of Tofurky, Morinaga Nutritional Foods will own the #3 retail brand for in the United States.
Tofurky and Morinaga Nutritional Foods have a long-standing relationship, as Morinaga has been a tofu supplier for Tofurky products for 17 years. The acquisition of Tofurky and Moocho will help strengthen the integrated supply chain and future category growth for the brands.
Tofurky will continue manufacturing products at its sustainably-focused facility in Hood River, Ore., where Morinaga Nutritional Foods plans to increase operational excellence with technical staff to maximize capacity. The company will also uphold the core values, original recipes, and product availability of both Tofurky and Moocho brands.
“We’ve been working with the team at Morinaga for nearly two decades, and over that course of time realized the multiple synergies our organizations have across our businesses – from supply chain and operations to new product development targets,” said Jaime Athos, president and CEO of Tofurky. “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved thus far as an independent and family-operated company, but as we enter our next stage of growth, Morinaga will provide the platform needed to help us expand more aggressively in the U.S. and beyond.”
Morinaga Nutritional Foods was founded with a vision to help people lead happy lives through delicious foods that contribute to physical, mental, and environmental health. The company manufactures shelf stable tofu, sold in both the retail and foodservice channels with a focus on quality and aseptic packaging. Offering tofu that is merchandised as an ambient finished good with considerable shelf life, as opposed to traditional refrigerated options, is a differentiated benefit in the category.
“Tofurky has a proven track record of success in the U.S. and is a significant player in the plant-based category with many loyal fans,” said Hiroyuki Imanishi, president and CEO of Morinaga Nutritional Foods. “We’re excited to help bolster both Tofurky and Moocho’s presence in the U.S. while strengthening manufacturing efficiencies and boosting new product development to meet ever-increasing marketplace demand.”
In addition to Tofurky’s sustainable manufacturing facility in Hood River, Morinaga operates a tofu manufacturing facility in Tualatin, Ore. and a Sales and R&D Office in Torrance, Calif. Morinaga plans to leverage synergies from Tofurky’s sales and marketing teams to fine-tune total portfolio approaches to the U.S. marketplace.
All Tofurky and Moocho foods are 100 percent non-GMO and are indulgent ways for everyone from vegans to flexitarians to enjoy their favorite comfort foods.
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Royale de Monte Carlo Vodka Trademarked as ‘The World’s Most Prestigious Vodka’
Luminar Media Group, Inc. has obtained the U.S. trademark for the Royale de Monte Carlo Vodka class of spirits and “The World’s Most Prestigious Vodka.” Brand Volt is a wholly owned subsidiary of LRGR and owner of the intellectual property for the vodka.
Company CEO Robert Rico stated: “Having the U.S. trademark for Royale de Monte Carlo Vodka brand is very important.”
“USA is the second-largest purchaser of vodka in the world, with 622.8 million liters consumed annually. The combined USA and European trademarks have established Royale de Monte Carlo as a global brand. We trademarked ‘The World’s Most Prestigious Vodka’ for our plans to roll out a national campaign that has already launched in Miami and New York.”
The brand’s mission is to be the market leader in the ultra-premium segment of vodka, to achieve such goals we are forming strategic alliances with distributors, hospitality groups, and retailers nationwide.
Royale de Monte Carlo headquartered in Miami, is a an ultra premium, icy cool, and deliciously smooth vodka sure to give long lasting euphoric pleasure to any palate it graces. Created and produced by fifth generation master distillers located in the heart of the world-famous Cognac region of France, Royale de Monte Carlo was voted as the “World’s Most Prestigious Vodka.”
The superior qualities of the vodka stem from its utilization of the finest ingredients and a unique alkaline purification process, which takes full advantage of the wisdom of the distillers of Charente and the traditions of the region to ensure a perfected recipe. It comes bottled at 40 percent ABV and is fermented scrupulously using the highest quality cereals from the Champagne Belt. The use of champagne limestone during the filtration process of seven times, coupled with a certified distillation technique, provides an unrivaled aroma and exotic touch sure to be felt upon first sip.
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ROAR Organic Expanding Distribution Into Publix Super Markets
ROAR Organic, a line of organic hydration beverages offering a blend of vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes, is starting 2023 with a number of momentous updates to kick off the year. Alongside a $6 million capital raise that represents a positive re-investment from existing shareholders, ROAR Organic is expanding its distribution footprint, entering more than 1,300 Publix Super Markets with its best selling SKUs, including Mango Clementine, Cucumber Watermelon and Georgia Peach.
On the heels of these impactful growth updates, which follow the Q3 2023 announcement of ROAR Organic’s national expansion with Kroger, the brand will also debut new innovation launches at the end of the quarter.
According to a recent 2023 trend report, analysts are predicting that energy and functional ingredients are key components consumers are looking for this year, with 45 percent of people saying immunity-boosting ingredients, like vitamins, are a key purchase driver (GlobalData, 2022). In order to support the consumer journey toward greater wellness, ROAR Organic continues to put multifunctional and clean ingredients at its core, delivering on taste, quality, and health-supporting benefits. This year, ROAR looks to continue this mission all while reaching consumers in new geographical regions who can benefit from the beverage’s powerful vitamin + antioxidant + electrolyte Complete Hydration.
Concluding 2022 with 116 percent growth in gross revenue, ROAR Organic’s latest capital round gives the hydration brand the leverage to build its internal team in order to continue driving sales and marketing. With open opportunities for new talent across these areas, ROAR looks to strengthen the brand’s position as a powerful newcomer to multifunctional beverages, generating interest from retailers like Publix who are looking for approachable, better-for-you beverages that consumers want to purchase.
“We’re ready to take the brand to new heights this year with the recent capital raise and our partnership with Publix, expanding our retail footprint throughout the country,” said Bill Lange, president at ROAR Organic. “Today, consumers are looking for the full package and seek truly healthy, functional hydration products that are fairly priced, convenient to purchase and deliver on taste. Our mission at ROAR Organic is to make hydration and functional wellness a deliciously vibrant experience, without artificial ingredients or high sugar and calories. We’re confident with these new gains and our soon-to-be launched innovations that we will be able to deliver above and beyond on this mission in 2023.”
In addition to in-store and online distribution with Publix, ROAR Organic beverages can be found in natural and traditional grocers nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets, Kroger, Sprouts, Wegmans, Safeway/Albertsons and more, plus online at www.roarorganic.com and on Amazon. To learn more about ROAR Organic, please visit www.roarorganic.com, or follow the brand on Instagram @roarorganic or Facebook @RoarOrganic.
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