Case Study

Mihomi Co., Ltd.
  • Depositer
  • Softmoon cake

Mihomi Co., Ltd.

Based in Shizuoka City, Mihomi is a long-established confectionery maker best known for its popular local souvenir, Cocco, along with Abekawa Mochi, candies, juices, and more.
Originally involved in tea production, Mihomi expanded into the souvenir market in 1953 with the launch of tea-flavored candies and manju, formally establishing itself as a confectionery manufacturer and retailer. In 1985, Mihomi introduced Cocco—a bite-sized steamed cake made with a generous amount of eggs.
Marketed with the cheerful catchphrase “Yellow Happiness,” Cocco quickly became a beloved gift among locals and business travelers passing through the region.
In recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mihomi has actively developed seasonal variations of Cocco, experimenting with different batters and fillings. To mark the brand’s 40th anniversary, they also launched Cocco the Gold, a premium version made with select high-quality ingredients.
Looking toward the future, Mihomi began implementing new initiatives in 2024 to further enhance quality and efficiency.
In the Production Department, they upgraded their batter and filling machines, leveraging both automation and the refined skills of their staff. At the same time, they laid the groundwork for a new factory, including the establishment of a dedicated Quality Control Department to foster a stronger culture of excellence on the production floor.
On the sales front, Mihomi is ramping up its marketing efforts to attract domestic travelers from outside the prefecture and international tourists.
By first solidifying its presence in the domestic market, the company aims to expand into duty-free and international retail channels—positioning Cocco as a globally recognized and cherished souvenir sweet.

システムデポリー(SD3-1U60-P/SD3-1U60-I)

Since 1992, Box Steamers have been used in the steaming process of Cocco. In December 2024, Mihomi introduced two System Depoly units to handle batter filling and cream depositing, replacing aging equipment from a different manufacturer. Cocco’s production requires precise control, as its delicate batter demands fine adjustments in both the amount of filling and the volume of cream. Previously, inconsistencies in batter dispensing led to irregular shapes after steaming, which resulted in cream overflow. There were also challenges with uneven injection between the edges and center of each piece. By upgrading to the System Depoly, Mihomi was able to stabilize the batter-filling process, resulting in consistently fluffy, evenly steamed cakes. Cream overflow was significantly reduced, minimizing waste and improving overall product quality. Currently, a team of seven employees and part-time staff supports the daily production of 48,000 Cocco. The filling process has been upgraded from a manual handle-type adjustment to a digital touch panel, allowing precise, numerical control. This not only enhances accuracy but also makes the equipment easy to operate—eliminating reliance on individual expertise and enabling more consistent results across shifts.

  • Cocco is a beloved Shizuoka souvenir. The lineup includes year-round favorites, seasonal specials, and limited-edition varieties.

    Cocco is a beloved Shizuoka souvenir. The lineup includes year-round favorites, seasonal specials, and limited-edition varieties.

  • System Depoly for depositing batter

    System Depoly for depositing batter

  • The depositor at work

    The depositor at work

  • Four high-performance Fine Up Box Steamers at work during the steaming process.

    Four high-performance Fine Up Box Steamers at work during the steaming process.

  • Cream depositing process

    Cream depositing process

Reference

MASDAC NEWS trial version

MASDAC NEWS trial version

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