Japanese food manufacturers are actively building and expanding factories in the United States. The spread of Japanese cuisine and rising inbound tourism are supporting the expansion of local production capacity.
Japanese food manufacturers are accelerating investment in the U.S. market. As Japan’s population is expected to decline, companies are increasingly looking overseas for growth opportunities, while the Japanese food boom and increase in U.S. tourists are also providing a tailwind. According to U.S. Department of Commerce statistics, the outstanding balance of Japanese investment in the U.S. food sector stood at approximately $8.195 billion at the end of 2025, about 2.5 times the level 10 years earlier.
Kikkoman has been expanding shipments in the United States for many years. It plans to build its third soy sauce factory in Wisconsin and begin shipments in October. Local production capacity is expected to reach approximately 1.4 times its current level around 2036.
HOKTO aims to bring its second factory online during fiscal 2028. The company sees an opportunity for growth as consumption expands amid the Japanese food boom and growing health consciousness, while competition remains limited.
Confectionery brands are also gaining ground. Morinaga & Co. is investing approximately ¥20 billion to build a second factory and strengthen the supply of HI-CHEW, with operations scheduled to begin in October. Meiji plans to expand its production line for chocolate snacks and approximately double its U.S. sales from fiscal 2024 levels.