Calbee Acquires Majority Stake in U.S. Tofu Producer Hodo to Expand 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 includes minority participation from Japanese tofu manufacturer Sagamiya Foods Co., Ltd., represents a strategic move to accelerate Calbee's international expansion and strengthen its Health and Food business segment.

The transaction aligns with Calbee's strategic "Change 2025" transformation plan, focusing specifically on U.S. market expansion. Makoto Ehara, CEO of Calbee, stated that the acquisition responds to growing consumer demand for sustainable foods, particularly in the U.S. market where health and environmental concerns are driving significant growth. "As demand for sustainable foods grows, tofu is increasingly valued by health-conscious consumers," Ehara explained, noting that tofu's high plant-based protein content and minimal processing make it particularly attractive to American consumers.

Hodo has established itself as an innovative force in the plant-based food sector, producing protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods made with organic, non-GMO soybeans. The company's products are gluten-free and have earned widespread recognition among health-conscious consumers and Michelin-honored chefs across the United States. Hodo supplies retail grocery outlets nationwide and maintains food service partnerships with major chains including Chipotle.

Minh Tsai, Founder of Hodo, emphasized the company's commitment to blending tradition and innovation to create foods that meet consumer demand for healthier options without compromising on taste. "We are excited for Calbee's vision and their commitment to offer better-for-you foods to consumers," Tsai shared regarding the acquisition.

The partnership brings together Calbee's global distribution network and corporate philosophy of "harnessing nature's gifts, bringing taste and fun, and contributing to healthy lifestyles" with Hodo's innovative product development and strong U.S. market presence. Sagamiya Foods will contribute technical support to further strengthen the venture's growth plans, leveraging its expertise as a leading tofu manufacturer in Japan.

This acquisition signals the increasing consolidation in the plant-based food sector as major food corporations seek to capitalize on the growing consumer shift toward sustainable and health-focused eating patterns. The move positions Calbee to compete more effectively in the rapidly expanding U.S. plant-based protein market while supporting Hodo's continued growth and product innovation.