Bubbies Ice Cream has been purchased by Marubeni Corporation, one of the largest integrated trading and investment companies in Japan. Bubbies is now part of Marubeni America Corporation, based in New York City, and will continue its operations and manufacturing facilities out of Phoenix, Arizona.
This acquisition, terms of which were not disclosed, will serve to fuel the mocha ice cream specialist’s next phase of growth, now strengthened by Marubeni’s global resources and expertise spanning international supply chains and strong trade relationships. Marubeni has deep experience investing in and developing other high quality food businesses similar to Bubbies, which will help the fast-growing frozen novelties brand reach more customers worldwide at scale.
Bubbies was founded in 1985 as a scoop shop on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and since has developed a portfolio of super-premium mochi ice cream products and innovative flavors. Reently the brand expanded into a new frozen novelty category with the launch of its Mini Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, which can be found in natural, grocery, club, and mass channels in the USA and select international regions.
“Marubeni is a global organization with values that align to our own. They possess the perfect mix of resources and expertise needed as we look to accelerate our growth long-term,” said Jeff Stites, chief executive officer at Bubbies Ice Cream. “We’re thrilled to join their portfolio of brands and explore new opportunities to scale nationwide and internationally based on Marubeni’s impressive network of supply and trade partners.”
