USA: Meiji to establish new chocolate manufacturing facility

Meiji, the Japanese food and pharmaceutical giant, has announced plans to establish a new chocolate manufacturing subsidiary in the USA, marking a significant expansion of its production footprint in the North American market.

The new entity, Meiji Manufacturing America, will be located in Mebane (NC) with an investment of approximately $112 million. Construction of the facility is slated to begin in October, with production expected to commence in 2029. The plant will focus on the manufacture of Meiji’s flagship Hello Panda brand to meet growing demand in the region.

According to the company, the move is part of its 2026 Medium-Term Business Plan, which prioritises the acceleration of growth in its international food business. “By establishing a local production base, we aim to ensure a stable supply of products and further strengthen our presence in the US market”, Meiji stated in an official release.

The investment follows Meiji’s continued efforts to expand its global confectionery operations, which include existing manufacturing bases in China and Southeast Asia.

Source: Meiji