Japan’s Ezaki Glico buys US chocolate maker Tcho

Japanese food company Ezaki Glico is set to expand its confectionery business with the acquisition of US-based chocolate snacks manufacturer Tcho Ventures for an undisclosed price.

Based in Berkeley, California, Tcho is majorly owned by growth and venture capital firm Emil Capital Partners, an arm of European retail group Tengelmann.

The US chocolate maker works with cacao bean farmers and cooperatives to improve growing, fermentation, and drying methods.

Tcho chief executive officer Marcel Bens said: “Today’s agreement brings together two companies that share a core philosophy of quality products and social values.

“Tcho has a unique approach to sourcing, flavour, and packaging – we work with farmers and cooperatives to help them produce better cocoa, which is designed to benefit them and helps us make exceptionally delicious chocolate.

“Ezaki Glico is a company that understands, appreciates and will continue to support that business model. We couldn’t be more pleased to be joining their family.”

In the recent years, Tcho has expanded its portfolio by adding new flavours and enhanced its footprint across the US market.

Bens further added: “The acquisition of our product by Ezaki Glico will give us an even stronger foothold in the market.

“We’re thrilled to be joining their strong product portfolio, which will undoubtedly help catapult TCHO to the next level.”

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Ezaki Glico operates 19 manufacturing plants with a workforce of more than 5,000 employees.

Ezaki Glico currently offers snack products such as Pocky and Pretz in the US market through its subsidiary.