Bokksu Announces Acquisition Of Japan Crate

Deal Creates The World’s Largest Online Japanese Snack Company

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - Today, premium Japanese snacks and gifts company Bokksu announces the acquisition of Japan Crate, a pop culture-inspired Japanese candy, snacks, and drinks start-up. Modern Retail shared the news here. The deal unites two companies that have pioneered a unique and growing sector of food and culture and, as a combined business, makes Bokksu the largest business of its kind in the world. This acquisition enables Bokksu’s rapid expansion into retail, with immediate access to national retail partners with over 5,000 locations—including outlets World Market, Hot Topic, FYE, and more.

Bokksu CEO and Founder Danny Taing said, “It’s exciting to now have a combined team with deep experience across both the traditional and modern Japanese snack landscapes—and a shared passion for the awesome Japanese food culture that inspired all of us. We’re proud that we are now the world’s largest online Japanese snack company.”

Japan Crate CEO and Cofounder Hank Rao said, “New ideas and concepts have been the core of both Japan Crate’s and Bokksu’s missions, and by joining forces, we’re confident in our continued growth and innovation. With our experience in pop culture and retail distribution, and Bokksu’s deep knowledge in traditional snacks and supply chain logistics, we’re excited to rapidly expand our share in the emerging market of Asian snacks.”

Bridging cultures through Japanese snacks has been a goal for Bokksu since its launch in 2016. Beginning with its signature monthly subscription Bokksu Snack Box, the company expanded with Bokksu Boutique, offering specialty and gourmet gift boxes, and most recently added Bokksu Market, which helps more people access everyday Asian snacks and groceries. Themed snack offerings celebrate Japanese holidays and prefectures/regions, providing a unique way to learn, taste, and experience Japan and its vibrant culture from your home.

Last month, Bokksu launched a partnership with Japanese company Sanrio, creator of the renowned brand Hello Kitty, to create the world’s first Hello Kitty and Friends Snack Box Subscription. This bi-monthly subscription to super-cute Hello Kitty and Friends boxes offers tasty snacks and exclusive collectibles, each themed around different Hello Kitty characters.

In 2023, e-commerce has become an increasingly popular choice for American consumers, opening doors to an exciting global marketplace. In February 2023, Forbes stated that “57% of online shoppers report shopping internationally,” and by 2026, nearly a quarter of retail purchases are expected to be online. The success of Bokksu’s international e-commerce, now paired with the addition of retail locations across the U.S. will grow Bokksu’s reach exponentially. With this acquisition of Japan Crate, Bokksu is now one of the fastest growing Japanese goods companies of its kind. Through brick and mortar and online shopping, Bokksu is connecting American and global consumers to unique Japanese snacks and gifts that otherwise have been exclusive to Japan for centuries.

Bokksu sources Japanese snacks from centuries-old family makers, providing cultural sustainability through its work with more than 100 makers since 2016. Among the many artisans are Senbei Lab (offering a range of flavored rice crackers), Honma Anpan (creator of sweet red bean treats), and Akai Ribon (a patisserie that bakes with local Japanese flavors and ingredients).

As cultural traditions, techniques and flavors become more accessible all over the world, there is a responsibility, one that is at the core of Bokksu’s mission. It is important to share these Japanese goods in their most authentic form, while supporting the original makers. As Bokksu continues to expand horizons across the globe, so do the reaches of Japanese culture, and those who have sustained it.

ABOUT BOKKSU

Bokksu delivers authentic Japanese food and gift products to customers around the world. Founded by Danny Taing in 2015, the New York and Tokyo-based DTC company partners with traditional small family snack makers throughout Japan to share their craft with over 100 countries via its snack subscription service, curated market of premium home goods, and online Asian grocery store. By providing Japan’s traditional makers with a platform to share their goods with a global audience, Bokksu is helping to support, preserve, and promote their craft, while making it easier for the rest of the world to discover, buy, and love authentic Japanese goods. Bokksu is a proudly LGBTQ+ and AAPI-owned company.

ABOUT JAPAN CRATE

Japan Crate is all about Japanese candy culture. It sources from the best makers to bring customers the greatest variety of candy at affordable prices. All products in a Japan Crate are full-sized and guaranteed to be delicious. The idea for Japan Crate came to cofounder Hank Rao when he was in Japan in early 2014. He’d been in love with Japanese culture since childhood and visiting Tokyo was a dream come true. Hank launched a monthly subscription box for candy and snacks in late 2014 to share the excitement and joy that he experienced---candy happened to be the perfect vehicle. Japan Crate evolved into a monthly opportunity to enjoy the awesomeness of Japanese culture through the most exclusive candy.

ABOUT DANNY TAING, CEO & FOUNDER BOKKSU

Danny Taing is the Founder & CEO of Bokksu, the leading direct-to-consumer subscription company delivering authentic Japanese snacks and gifts to 100+ countries. Born in NYC to Cambodian-Chinese refugees, Danny studied at Stanford and worked at Google before moving to Tokyo to study Japanese and work for Rakuten. He returned to NYC, completed a Computer Science program at Columbia, and founded Bokksu in 2015. Danny is passionate about cultural understanding, supporting traditional makers, and bringing people together through the joy of food. In his spare time, he loves rock climbing, board games, and anime.

BOKKSU ON THE WEB:

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For more on Bokksu & Danny Taing please contact Shore Fire Media:

Rebecca Shapiro (rshapiro@shorefire.com)

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