Calbee Acquires Majority Stake in Hodo to Expand Plant-Based Protein Portfolio
Japanese snack giant Calbee's majority stake acquisition in US tofu producer Hodo represents a strategic move to capitalize on growing consumer demand for sustainable, plant-based proteins and expand its global health food business.
Calbee, Inc., a global leader in snacks and food products, has acquired a majority stake in Hodo, Inc., a leading producer of organic tofu and sustainable plant proteins based in Oakland, California. The acquisition, which also includes a minority stake from Japanese tofu manufacturer Sagamiya Foods Co., Ltd., accelerates Calbee's international expansion and strengthens its Health and Food business segment.
The strategic move aligns with Calbee's "Change 2025" transformation plan, focusing on US market expansion and responding to growing consumer demand for sustainable foods. Tofu has gained significant attention in the US market due to its high plant-based protein content, minimal processing, and alignment with health and environmental concerns driving market growth. According to Calbee CEO Makoto Ehara, "Our vision at Calbee is to build a global portfolio of foods that are enjoyable and meaningful. The addition of Hodo to the Calbee Group marks an important step in strengthening our Health and Food businesses as well as expanding our global presence."
Hodo has established itself as an innovative force in plant-based foods, producing high-quality tofu and plant-powered proteins using organic, non-GMO soybeans. The company's protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and gluten-free products have earned widespread recognition among health-conscious consumers and Michelin-honored chefs across the United States. Hodo supplies retail grocery outlets nationwide and major food service partners including Chipotle.
Founder Minh Tsai emphasized Hodo's commitment to blending tradition and innovation, stating, "We blend tradition and innovation to create foods for consumers who are looking for healthier options but don't want to compromise on taste." The partnership with Sagamiya Foods will provide additional technical support to further strengthen the venture's growth plans, leveraging Sagamiya's expertise as a leading tofu manufacturer in Japan.
The acquisition reflects the increasing valuation of tofu and plant-based proteins in the global food market, particularly as health and environmental concerns continue to influence consumer purchasing decisions. Calbee's investment in Hodo positions the company to capitalize on the growing plant-based food trend while expanding its footprint in the competitive US health food market.