PADUCAH, Ky. (March 28, 2013) – Dippin’ Dots LLC, the Paducah, Ky.-based company that produces iconic ice cream and frozen treats, has signed a joint master licensing agreement with Wellness Hanshin Inc. in Osaka, Japan, for the exclusive marketing and distribution of Dippin’ Dots products throughout Japan.
Wellness Hanshin is owned by Hanshin Electric Railway Co., a business segment of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group Inc.
“This agreement represents an exciting expansion for Dippin’ Dots on the international front,” said Dippin’ Dots President Scott Fischer. “A top strategic initiative remains to increase the points of presence both domestically and internationally. We are achieving this goal through strategic marketing and distribution agreements with well-established, financially sound companies that have relevant experience in the entertainment and food and beverage industries, as well as a deep understanding of the local culture and consumers.”
The ice cream market in Japan continues to grow, and impulse ice cream sales now exceed $4.8 billion annually, said Junji Moritani, Wellness Hanshin president.
“The addition of new locations will make the unique frozen treats conveniently accessible to consumers across the country and serve to elevate the presence of the Dippin’ Dots brand, which already enjoys positive intrinsic value from existing consumer awareness,” Moritani said. “Dippin’ Dots’ new owners are re-energizing the brand through new product offerings that meet the evolving needs of consumers in Japan and beyond, including a new low-calorie line planned for this year.”
The master licensing agreement will allow Wellness Hanshin to add numerous locations across Japan. Locations will include an expanded presence across the company’s extensive entertainment properties, such as the popular Hanshin Tiger baseball team owned by a subsidiary of Hanshin Electric Railway Co., (Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group).
Dippin’ Dots supplies the growing Asian marketplace from an international manufacturing plant in South Korea. In pursuit of new growth opportunities in the international marketplace, the company has created a dedicated group focused on pursuing and serving international opportunities. The group has several active opportunities in various stages of the development in Europe and Asia.
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