With a growing Asian population and more acceptance in the mainstream market, officials at House Foods Holdings USA are certain that the booming tofu market is something that should lead to greater sales and profits for their company and customers for years to come. 

“Tofu is driving sales,” said Katsutoshi Mizuno, head of marketing at the Garden Grove, CA-based company. “Despite the challenging environment in the RF/PBF (classification) category, Tofu is experiencing solid sales growth. We have been supported by the Asian market for many years and the growing Asian consumer population is also having a positive effect. In addition, demand for tofu is also increasing in the mainstream market, with particular demand for vacuum-packed products that are easy to cook and starter kits that are easy to try out.”

At the same time, company officials are clear that House Foods does not only sell tofu, but also plant-based foods. “For example, we offer seitan and tempeh,” said Mizuno. “These are low in processing and exactly match what Dietary Guidelines For Americans was advocating. We believe we are not taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring these products to more consumers. 

“This spring, we plan to launch new plant-based pulled meat and seasoned seitan products,” continued Mizuno. “We developed them with a particular focus on deliciousness. Through this, we hope to convey to consumers the wonders of plant power.”

Mizuno said that House Foods has launched a Ready Bake Tofu Kit — Breakfast Sausage flavor, a new product that allows consumers who are cooking tofu at home for the first time to easily cook the product without any mistakes. “This product has also been selected as a finalist in the NPEW Nexty Awards, (which recognize the most progressive, innovative, inspiring and trustworthy products in the natural category), and has received very positive feedback from customers,” he said.

“Last year, we launched our Ready Bake Tofu Kits & Organic Super Firm Line and have seen great success in the market,” Mizuno noted. “Next month at Natural Products Expo West, this will be the first time we are sampling these items at this show. We invite customers to visit us at booth No. 3091 and taste these new items, plus more items that we will be launching in the coming months.”

Mizuno added that House Foods is eager to showcase its many different items at the show. “Visitors will be able to view and learn more about our existing and new products including Pulled Meat & Seasoned Seitan that will be launched in the spring,” he said. “Natural Products Expo West is one of our largest shows of the year, and we look forward to exhibiting and sharing our new and existing products. Our booth theme invites attendees to sample and view our products in a fun and exciting way.” 

The future looks bright and House Foods officials are ready and eager to tackle what is ahead. “The industry and our role will become increasingly important,” Mizuno said. “This is because our products are minimally processed and high in quality protein. As “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” shows, these are foods that consumers will be demanding in the future. We want to deliver products that are tastier, easier to cook, and more convenient for consumers.”