Bubbies Ice Cream, the #1 mochi ice cream brand in the natural channel and the fastest growing in conventional grocery, has been acquired 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, AZ.
This acquisition will serve to fuel Bubbies’ 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 and since then has developed an authentic portfolio of super-premium mochi ice cream products and innovative flavors. More recently in 2025, the brand expanded into a new frozen novelty category with the launch of its Mini Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches made with the same dedication to quality and super premium ice cream. Bubbies’ products can be found in natural, grocery, club, and mass channels 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.”
Lazard acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP acted as legal advisor to Bubbies. Spayne Lindsay & Co. LLP acted as financial advisor and Mayer Brown acted as legal advisor to Marubeni Corporation.
*SPINS TOTAL NATURAL ENHANCED CHANNEL and Total Brand Dollar Sales latest 24 weeks ending 6/1/2025
