Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 11, 2025
Calbee Acquires Majority Stake in Hodo to Boost Plant-Based Food Expansion
TLDR
- Calbee's acquisition of Hodo provides strategic advantage in the growing US plant-based protein market, expanding their health food portfolio against competitors.
- Calbee acquired majority stake in Hodo, with Sagamiya taking minority stake and providing technical support to accelerate growth in sustainable food markets.
- This partnership expands access to nutritious, sustainable plant proteins, supporting healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability through reduced processing and organic ingredients.
- A Japanese snack giant and traditional tofu maker joined forces with an Oakland innovator to bring delicious plant proteins to more tables worldwide.
Impact - Why it Matters
This acquisition signals a major consolidation in the rapidly growing plant-based food sector, reflecting increasing consumer demand for sustainable, healthy protein alternatives. For consumers, it means greater availability of high-quality tofu and plant-based products through Calbee's extensive distribution network, potentially driving innovation and competitive pricing. The partnership combines Hodo's artisanal approach with global scale, accelerating the mainstream adoption of plant-based diets and supporting environmental sustainability through reduced reliance on animal agriculture. This move also strengthens the U.S. position in the global plant-based market, creating opportunities for job growth and economic development in the sustainable food industry.
Summary
Hodo, Inc., a leading Oakland-based producer of organic tofu and sustainable plant proteins, has been acquired by global snack giant Calbee, Inc., which now holds a majority stake in the company. This strategic move is part of Calbee's "Change 2025" transformation plan, focusing on expanding its U.S. presence and strengthening its Health and Food business segment. The acquisition also involves Sagamiya Foods Co., Ltd., a prominent Japanese tofu manufacturer, which has taken a minority stake and will provide technical support to enhance the venture's growth trajectory.
Hodo has earned widespread recognition for its high-quality, protein-rich, gluten-free products made from organic, non-GMO soybeans, supplying major retail grocery outlets nationwide and food service partners like Chipotle. The company's commitment to exceptional taste and sustainable practices has made it a favorite among health-conscious consumers and Michelin-honored chefs. Calbee's CEO Makoto Ehara emphasized that this acquisition aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable foods and supports their vision of building a global portfolio of enjoyable and meaningful foods. For more information, visit www.hodofoods.com and learn about Calbee's initiatives at https://www.calbee.co.jp/en/.
Hodo founder Minh Tsai expressed excitement about Calbee's vision and commitment to offering better-for-you foods, highlighting how the partnership will leverage tradition and innovation to meet the needs of consumers seeking healthier options without compromising on taste. This collaboration represents a significant step in the plant-based food industry, combining Hodo's innovative product development with Calbee's global reach and Sagamiya's technical expertise to drive growth in the sustainable food market.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Calbee Acquires Majority Stake in Hodo to Boost Plant-Based Food Expansion
