Sales of Japan’s best-selling candy Hi-Chew have tripled in Australia and New Zealand in FY20 compared to FY17 and are on track to achieve another record jump this year.
In Australia, Hi-Chew has been steadily increasing its distribution and by the end of June will be available from around 700 stores including Coles, Costco, Daiso, and through the petrol and convenience channel.
In New Zealand, Hi-Chew is now available in most major supermarkets nationwide, with 140 Countdown stores recently ranging 100g Original Mix, 100g Tropical Mix, and 90g Sweet & Sour Mix. The Foodstuffs Group has ranged the candy for several years.
To support the major retail expansion across both countries, Hi-Chew has launched new localised websites for Australia and New Zealand.
Based on the steadily increased sales in both markets, Hi-Chew parent company Morinaga is planning to launch additional flavours and products this year.
“I’ve watched major sales growth for Hi-Chew in various markets, but what we’re seeing here is something new,” said Terry Kawabe, Managing Director of Morinaga Asia Pacific Co. “Young people in particular are eager to get our products.”
Hi-Chew has been supporting retailers with a marketing program, including streaming TV channels as well as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Hi-Chew products in ANZ include sticks in Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple, and Mango flavours, plus peg bags of Original Mix (100g Grape, Strawberry, Green Apple), Tropical Mix (100g Mango, Pineapple, and Orange), Sweet & Sour Mix (90g Lemon, Grapefruit, Watermelon), Soda Pop Mix (90g Cola and Lemonade), and Yoghurt Mix (90g Plain, Strawberry, and Blueberry).