Agenda - 10-15-2013 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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21 Attachment #4 • In Japan, which is the world's #2 overall largest candy and confectionary market (behind the USA), the Company has over 40 different product lines, where it holds the #1 Japanese domestic market -share for candy. Morinaga ranks similar to Kellogg Company in terms of retail sales. • Among Japan's top 3 competing confectionary makers, Morinaga ranks #1 for candy & caramel products, #2 for biscuits, and #3 for chocolate products. The chewy fruit flavored snack that holds the #1 spot within Japan, and which the company will produce here in Orange County, is called "HI- CHEW ". • Morinaga is aggressively marketing HI -CHEW across the United States and has successful store displays at Target, COSTCO, 7 Eleven, and Kroger, and is found locally at the Streets at South Point Mall ( "It's Sugar ", "World Market "). • Additional product lines include frozen desserts (19 %), foodstuffs (10 %), and the internationally - renowned Weider -brand health care products such as energy drinks, nutritional vitamin /mineral supplements & protein bars, & collagen -based beauty products (16% of sales). • Morinaga America, Inc., led by Mr. Masao Hoshino, was established in Los Angeles in 2008 for the purpose of introducing the company's various product lines, starting with HI -CHEW. • Overseas partners include serving as the trademark distributor, licensee or supplier for world -class confectionary companies such as Disney Japan, SUNKIST Growers, PEZ, Perfetti van Melle (Italy), Storck (Germany), Dare Foods (Canada) and Barry Callebaut AG (Switzerland). • Management's corporate philanthropy strives to be a "company that improves the lives of children worldwide". The firm partners with international NGOs in developing nations, and places a special emphasis promoting healthy nutrition, and funding for school facilities and educational supplies, especially among West African countries. • First Japanese corporation to be affiliated with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), which was established with the objective to foster a sustainable cocoa industry, and prevent the use of child labor in developing nations. This is achieved through the environmental protection of regions where major global chocolate corporations cultivate cocoa, and through economic and social development. Technical guidance and training support is provided to cocoa farmers through various programs that protect the natural and social environment. Competition & Initial Site Search: In early 2012, Morinaga and Portland, OR -based site selection consultant /engineering firm InSpec Group began a multi -state site search to identify a "Hi- Chew" manufacturing location. Competition for "Project Rainbow" included the following communities: • Portland, OR • Ontario, Canada • Philadelphia, PA • Richmond, VA • Atlanta, GA • North Carolina (18 total sites in 12 counties)