Hoshizaki Strengthens U.S. Presence with Acquisition of Cannon Marketing

Hoshizaki Corporation has acquired the business of U.S. foodservice equipment distributor Cannon Marketing, Inc. (CMI), effective January 2, 2025. This acquisition strengthens Hoshizaki's sales and maintenance operations in the Southeastern United States through its subsidiary, Hoshizaki Southeastern Distribution Center, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida.

CMI, a long-time distributor of Hoshizaki America, has been active in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee for over 30 years, specializing in Hoshizaki ice machines and refrigeration products. This strategic move aims to bolster Hoshizaki's market share in the region.

Hoshizaki, which began its U.S. operations in 1986 with ice machines, and expanded into commercial refrigeration in 2001, operates six Distribution Centers across 15 locations in the Americas. The acquisition aligns with Hoshizaki's strategy to enhance direct sales from its Distribution Centers, focusing on boosting commercial refrigeration sales alongside its existing ice maker business.

The company plans to revise its sales channels and leverage both in-house and independent sales representatives to increase its market presence in the U.S., emphasizing direct sales from manufacturers to dealers to expand its expansive distribution network.