Tofu Entrepreneur offers Growing Market for Illinois Soybeans
TOFU ENTREPRENEUR OFFERS GROWING MARKET FOR ILLINOIS SOYBEANS (FarmWeekNow)
For Illinois soybean growers, a growing market that offers premium prices awaits in Oakland, California. Hodo Foods currently processes 3,000 bushels of soybeans weekly. Minh Tsai, founder and CEO of Hodo Foods, shared the roots of his tofu company and projected growth. A native of Vietnam, Tsai launched his food business after working 10 years as an investment banker, management consultant and software builder.
Tsai described building his company sales from 100 retailers to more than 4,000 currently. By next year, Hodo Foods plans to sell to 5,000 to 6,000 retailers, he said. Consumers may select from 12 retail products: five ready-to-cook items and seven ready-to-eat ones.
All of the soybeans Hodo Foods processes are grown in the United States and the majority are from Illinois according to Hodo Foods. Growers who are interested in selling to Hodo Foods should reach out to them at hodofoods.com. The company will provide growers the company’s specifications, including protein level and fat content. The company processes certified organic, non-GMO soybeans.