Mochi Foods is on a mission to bring a chewy, delightful twist to the baking industry. Behind this movement is Pei Tung Wu, the founder and innovator who’s turning a beloved part of Taiwanese food culture into an accessible staple for households and food businesses around the world.
Introducing the Magic of Mochi
Mochi has long been a favorite in Asian cuisine—celebrated for its soft, chewy texture and versatility. Originating from pounded glutinous rice, mochi is traditionally enjoyed in both savory and sweet forms. Whether wrapped in bean paste or paired with meat, it’s a texture that holds nostalgic value for many, including Pei, who grew up in Taiwan.
A Taste of Home Sparks a Business
After relocating to Hawaii at 18, Pei found herself missing the unique flavors of her upbringing. Noticing a lack of accessible mochi-based products, she saw an opportunity to introduce these textures in a modern, easy-to-make format. Thus, Mochi Foods was born—with a mission to make mochi texture mixes available to families, bakers, and restaurants alike.
Innovation in Every Bite
Mochi Foods launched with three standout products: mochi pancake, mochi donut, and mochi waffle mixes. These innovative blends allow anyone—from home cooks to professional chefs—to infuse their creations with the chewy mochi texture. Using high-quality rice flour, each mix delivers consistent results and a premium experience.
Expanding Reach Through Collaboration and Education
Starting with local bakeries and donut shops in Hawaii, Mochi Foods gradually expanded to grocery stores, restaurants, and even major retailers like Costco. Spreading awareness about mochi was a critical part of Pei’s mission. She refers to this movement as a “mochi movement,” working directly with chefs, testing recipes, and educating consumers about the possibilities mochi offers.
From Local to Global
As word spread, so did the reach of Mochi Foods. The product line has now expanded into Canada and Europe, with plans for more ready-to-eat mochi products in the future. What started as a personal passion has grown into an international wave of interest in mochi-inspired cuisine.
Entrepreneurship Rooted in Passion
Pei’s background in the food industry—from owning stores and bakeries to launching her own brand—helped her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. From packaging and nutrition labeling to hiring the right partners, every step required dedication and adaptability. Her belief in the product and her persistence helped her overcome these hurdles.
Empowering Women Through Business
As a single mother of three, Pei balances business with family life by prioritizing quality time and sharing meals with her children. Her commitment to entrepreneurship also extends to supporting other women. Through her involvement with WBEC-West, she’s actively uplifting women business owners and encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles in various industries.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mochi Foods
Mochi Foods is now targeting more retail expansion and working to integrate mochi pancakes into restaurant breakfast menus. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast at home or a new item on a cafe menu, the mochi movement continues to grow. Mochi Foods is looking to connect with bakeries, food service providers, and retailers who are eager to bring something new and memorable to their offerings.
Connect with Mochi Foods
To learn more about Mochi Foods or explore partnership opportunities, visit https://mochifoods.com/. You can also connect with the team via Instagram, Facebook, or by emailing mochi@mochifoods.com. Listen to Pei’s full journey on Women in Motion now: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/mochi-magic/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
