Ito En strengthens foothold in US coffee market with $82m deal
Japanese ready-to-drink tea manufacturer Ito En is pivoting towards coffee with the recent announcement to purchase the US coffee manufacturer Distant Lands Coffee. Based in Tyler, TX, Distant Lands sells green and roasted coffee under its own brand, as well as private label. Last year, the company reported sales of $161 million with an operating profit of $668,000. The move is expected to strengthen Ito En's existing portfolio of coffee brands thanks to Distant Lands' supply, production and sales infrastructure. The Japanese tea company will also leverage Distant LandsÂ’ pod-based products and strong foodservice business. Ito En's US sales will total around $88 million this fiscal year, with 9% growth.