Hi-Chew fruit chews, the most popular soft candy in Japan, is now available for distribution throughout Australia. Hi-Chew is a top seller throughout Asia, and has achieved fast sales growth in various Western markets, including the United States. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1060577/Hi_Chew_flavors.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1060578/Terry_Kawabe.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1060499/hi_chew_Logo.jpg "Over the past five years, Hi-Chew sales have more than tripled in the U.S.," says Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. "We are in virtually every major retail chain in that market, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Albertsons, HEB, Publix, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, and AM/PM. Our candy is highly popular among young people, so we regularly exceed sales targets." Hi-Chew is known for its long-lasting chewy texture and a wide variety of fruit flavors. The candy was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co., Ltd., one of Japan's "Big 4" confectionery companies. Hi-Chew quickly became the best-selling soft candy in its home market. Since then, the fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavors, and achieved success worldwide. The primary distributor in Australia will be Grocery Corporation of Sydney. "We look forward to launching the Hi-Chew brand in Australia through 2020," says Anthony King, Managing Director of Grocery Corp. "Hi-Chew has gained a strong and loyal following over the past decade, particularly in the U.S.A. and New Zealand. We look forward to tapping into this global sentiment and replicating international success with the brand locally." Hi-Chew has been distributed in New Zealand for seven years, and is currently sold at such chains as Pak 'n Save and New World. N.Z. sales have exploded by a factor of 11 over six years, and recent research shows Hi-Chew with a market share of 2.2% in the Sugar Confectionery category, ahead of such legendary brands as Skittles, Mentos, and Extra. Initial offerings in Australia will include three 100/90g peg bags, each with assorted flavors, and 57g sticks in four flavors. Websites: www.morinaga-ap.com, www.hi-chew.co.nz SOURCE: Morinaga Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. CONTACT: For samples of Hi-Chew candy, product images, logos, or more information, please contact: Australia: Lucas Frigo, Grocery Corp., +61-2-8404-0240, lucasf@grocerycorp.com.au, New Zealand: Mark Whiteman, Tokyo Food, NZ, +64-9-570-5792, order_retail@tokyo.co.nz