Plant-based meat manufacturer Tofurky and its sister brand, Moocho, have been acquired by 
, manufacturer of Mori-Nu Silken Tofu. The deal makes Torrance, Calif.-based Moringa the third-largest retail brand of plant-based meats in the United States.
For 17 years, Morinaga has been a tofu supplier for products made by Tofurky, which will continue manufacturing products at its facility in Hood River, Ore. Morinaga plans to increase operations there with technical staff to maximize capacity. The company said it will also “uphold the core values, original recipes, and product availability of both Tofurky and Moocho brands.” Moocho, a plant-based cream cheese line, was launched late last year.
Tofurky, heretofore an independent family-owned company, plans to expand more aggressively in the United States and beyond, said Jaime Athos, president and CEO since 2005. Under his guidance, the company has added plant-based burgers and, recently, deli slices. Moocho, a plant-based cream cheese line, was added in late 2022.
Athos is the stepson of Seth Tibbott, who founded Tofurky in 1980 and debuted holiday roasts as plant-based alternatives to Thanksgiving turkeys in 1995. Morinaga will continue the Tofurky and Moocho brand names, and Athos will remain in his position as president and CEO of the Tofurky division.
Morinaga manufactures shelf-stable tofu, sold in retail and foodservice channels in aseptic packaging. In addition to Tofurky’s facility in Hood River, Morinaga operates a tofu manufacturing facility in Tualatin, Ore., and a sales and R&D office in Torrance, Calif.
