Marubeni acquires Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream, aims to expand in US ice-cream market

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-30 08:42:00

Japanese conglomerate Marubeni has acquired Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts, entering the US ice-cream manufacturing market. Bubbies, known for its mochi ice-cream, started in Hawaii in 1985 and expanded to the US mainland in 2018. Marubeni aims to deliver high value-added food products to the growing US market and expand its food business.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Bubbies was acquired by Kenex Holdings in 2017, with founder Keith Robbins retaining a significant investor role. Marubeni plans to leverage its food manufacturing and distribution expertise to expand Bubbies’ business and improve profitability in the US.

Marubeni reported a net profit of Y503bn ($3.49bn) for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025, with its food and agri business contributing Y68.9bn. The company forecasts a 16.1% growth to Y85bn for the division in the current financial year. Overall revenue for the group in fiscal 2025 reached Y7.79tn, up 7% from the previous year.

The novelty ice-cream segment, like Bubbies’ mochi-wrapped ice cream, is expected to grow faster than the overall food market. Bubbies is expanding its sales network through major US supermarket chains, aligning with consumer trends towards natural and healthy options. Marubeni plans to further expand its food business in the US through this acquisition.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Marubeni enters US ice-cream market with Bubbies acquisition