Trailblazer Award-Winning Candy Brand ISSEI Selected for Olive Young's First U.S. Store Launch

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Trailblazer Award-Winning Candy Brand ISSEI Selected for Olive Young's First U.S. Store Launch

Fresh off receiving the inaugural Trailblazer Award at the Most Innovative New Product Awards at Sweets and Snacks Expo 2026, ISSEI brings its better-for-you candy innovation to one of the year's most buzzed-about retail openings.   

PASADENA, Calif. — May 29, 2016 — ISSEI, the viral, award-winning candy brand redefining the future of confectionery, today announced the launch of three of its signature products at Olive Young's first-ever U.S. store in Pasadena, California. The debut marks a major milestone for the fast-growing brand as it expands consumer access through one of the world's most influential trend-driven beauty retailers with buzz-worthy innovations. 

The launch comes on the heels of ISSEI receiving the inaugural Trailblazer Award at the Most Innovative New Product Awards during the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo. The recognition “Celebrates bold, disruptive products, often from start-ups or challenger brands, that illustrate where the category is headed”, and is judged by a jury of 60 buyers at the biggest retailers in the country. 

ISSEI has quickly carved out a new category in candy since its launch in 2022 by Mika Shino, who aimed to create a new generation of candy that brings people together. The idea began in founder Mika Shino's kitchen, where she set out to create a candy she could feel good about sharing with her own children—one made with better ingredients, inspired by her Japanese heritage. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of mochi, Issei reimagines the beloved rice-based delicacy into a modern, better-for-you gummy that bridges heritage and innovation.

“Three years ago, I started this journey in my kitchen with my kids, wanting to create a candy that was fun, inclusive, and something I could feel good about giving them,” said Mika Shino, Founder & CEO of Issei.

Rooted in the belief that food has the power to build bridges across cultures, ISSEI modernizes heritage foods through innovation, transforming traditional flavors and textures into accessible, shareable experiences that foster connection, celebrate cultural heritage, and create moments of joy. What started as a homemade treat for Mika's children has grown into an award-winning challenger brand that is redefining the future of confectionery through cleaner ingredients, cultural storytelling, aesthetically driven packaging and category-defining innovation.

"Being selected for Olive Young's first U.S. store opening is an exciting moment for ISSEI and a testament to the growing consumer demand for new textures, global flavors and clean, aesthetically elevated modern candy options," said Mika Shino, Founder and CEO of ISSEI. "As a brand recognized for helping move the category forward, we are thrilled to introduce Olive Young shoppers to a new way of experiencing candy."

The three ISSEI products launching at Olive Young include:

• ISSEI Mochi Gummies Sour Cherry 

• ISSEI Mochi Gummies Sour Watermelon  

• ISSEI Mochi Gummies Sour Apple

Known for identifying and elevating the next generation of consumer brands, Olive Young's arrival in the U.S. has generated tremendous anticipation among shoppers seeking innovative products and emerging trends from around the world. ISSEI's inclusion in the launch assortment reflects the retailer's commitment to offering category-defining products that resonate with on-trend, influencer-focused consumers.

As the confectionery landscape continues to evolve, ISSEI is leading a new wave of innovation by reimagining familiar treats in a new format with cleaner ingredients, elevated formulations, refined aesthetic packaging and a consumer-first approach to product development.

"Our mission has always been to create beautiful, clean candy for the next generation of consumers," added Mika Shino. "The Trailblazer Award affirmed that we are helping to reshape what's possible in confectionery, and partnering with Olive Young for its U.S. debut is another exciting step in that journey."

ISSEI's products will be available beginning May 29, 2026 at Olive Young Pasadena.

About ISSEI: Category Creation, Rapid Growth & Industry Recognition

Since launching in 2022, ISSEI has emerged as one of the fastest-growing challenger brands in confectionery by pioneering an entirely new candy category. While mochi has long been enjoyed as a traditional Japanese rice cake and, more recently, as a frozen dessert, ISSEI was the first brand to reimagine mochi as a shelf-stable candy experience—creating the world's first mochi gummy and introducing consumers to an entirely new texture and format within confectionery.

By transforming a centuries-old cultural confection into a modern candy innovation, ISSEI has created a category of its own, combining the signature soft, pillowy chew of mochi with bold flavors, natural colors and flavors, and a clean-label ingredient philosophy. As a true first mover, the brand has helped redefine consumer expectations around what candy can be.

Today, ISSEI products are available in retail locations nationwide, including Albertsons, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, World Market, Raley’s and others, as well as going viral on TikTok with over 15 Million views, with other D2C platform sales with a YOY growth of 400%.

In just three years, ISSEI has gone viral and earned widespread recognition for its innovation and category leadership. Most recently, the company received the inaugural Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Most Innovative New Product Awards at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, recognizing challenger brands that are shaping the future of confectionery through disruptive innovation and consumer impact. The recognition further validates ISSEI's role as a category creator and one of the industry's most innovative emerging brands. ISSEI has won multiple awards since its launch, including the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Award for Small Business at Sweets and Snacks Expo 2024, Stevie’s Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2023, Inc Magazine’s Female Founder #2 and cover story of its 2024 May issue, three consecutive years winner of Nourish Awards Best Candy Award 2023, 2024, 2024, and three consecutive years winner of the World Food Innovation Award 2023, 2024, 2025 for Best Confectionery. 

Media Contact:

Kat Gamao