Bubbies Ice Cream Joins Marubeni Corporation to Accelerate Global Growth
Bubbies Ice Cream, widely recognized as the #1 mochi ice cream brand in the natural channel* and the fastest-growing brand in conventional grocery stores, has officially been acquired by Marubeni Corporation. Marubeni, a prominent Japanese integrated trading and investment conglomerate, will incorporate Bubbies into Marubeni America Corporation, headquartered in New York City. Despite the ownership transition, Bubbies will maintain its operations and manufacturing facilities in Phoenix, Arizona.
This acquisition marks a pivotal step forward for Bubbies, positioning the brand to enter a dynamic new phase of growth. With Marubeni’s vast global network, deep resources, and strategic expertise across international supply chains and trade partnerships, Bubbies is poised to scale its presence in the U.S. and internationally. Marubeni’s proven track record of nurturing premium food brands further underscores its commitment to supporting Bubbies’ continued expansion and product innovation.
Founded in 1985 as a small scoop shop on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Bubbies has grown into a celebrated frozen dessert brand known for its authentic, super-premium mochi ice cream. With a focus on quality and unique flavor development, the company has gained a loyal following across multiple retail channels including natural, grocery, club, and mass market, along with select international regions.
In 2025, Bubbies took a bold step by entering a new frozen novelty category with the launch of its Mini Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. The new product line reflects the same commitment to craftsmanship and quality that has defined the Bubbies brand for nearly four decades.
“Marubeni is a global organization with values that align closely to our own,” said Jeff Stites, Chief Executive Officer of Bubbies Ice Cream. “They bring the ideal combination of resources, infrastructure, and international expertise to help us scale efficiently and sustainably. We’re incredibly excited to join their portfolio and to explore the numerous opportunities ahead for reaching more customers both nationwide and globally.”
Marubeni’s investment aligns with its broader strategic initiatives to expand its presence in the food sector, especially with high-quality, fast-growing consumer brands. By leveraging Marubeni’s international logistics capabilities and extensive distribution partnerships, Bubbies expects to accelerate its product availability across more markets while continuing to innovate in the premium frozen dessert category.
On the financial and legal side of the transaction, Lazard served as the exclusive financial advisor to Bubbies, while Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP provided legal counsel. For Marubeni Corporation, Spayne Lindsay & Co. LLP acted as financial advisor and Mayer Brown offered legal advisory services.
This strategic acquisition not only reinforces Bubbies’ leading position in the mochi ice cream space but also sets the stage for its global expansion as it joins forces with one of the most respected names in global trade and investment.
Bubbies Ice Cream is an iconic frozen novelty brand best known for its all natural Mochi Ice Cream innovations. From its humble beginnings in 1985 as a scoop shop on the island of Oahu, Bubbies never fails to chart new paths to ice cream paradise with over 20 tasty flavors of mochi ice cream and recent expansion into other unique dessert offerings with Mini Cookie Sandwiches. Starting with the highest quality real ingredients such as Madagascar vanilla, real fruit puree and no rBST dairy, Bubbies crafts its creamy, super-premium ice cream using the same secret family recipe since its founding.
Marubeni Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries use their broad business networks, both within Japan and overseas, to conduct importing and exporting (including third country trading), as well as domestic business, encompassing a diverse range of business activities across wide-ranging fields including lifestyle, food & agriculture business, metals & mineral resources, energy & chemicals, power & infrastructure services, finance, leasing & real estate business, aerospace & mobility, next generation business development and next generation corporate development. Additionally, the Marubeni Group offers a variety of services, makes internal and external investments, and is involved in resource development throughout all of the above industries.
