Little Moons, a UK-based company that produces and sells mochi ice cream, has announced that its CEO, Howard Wong, has left the company “with immediate effect”. The company did not provide any reason for Wong’s departure, but said that it has appointed a new interim CEO, Paul Kenyon, who has extensive experience in the food industry. The company also said that it is looking for a permanent replacement for Wong, and that it will continue to pursue its growth plans.
What is Little Moons and What Does It Do?
Little Moons is a company that was founded in 2010 by siblings Howard and Vivien Wong, who wanted to introduce mochi ice cream, a Japanese dessert made of soft rice dough filled with ice cream, to the UK market. The company started as a small business, supplying mochi ice cream to restaurants and retailers, but soon expanded its product range, flavours, and distribution channels.
Little Moons now offers over 20 flavours of mochi ice cream, such as honey roasted pistachio, vegan tropical passionfruit, and limited edition salted caramel. The company also produces and sells other products, such as cookie dough bites, gelato bites, and frozen yogurt bites. The company sells its products through various outlets, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, online platforms, and its own website.
Little Moons has experienced rapid growth and popularity in the past year, thanks to the viral trend of the “mochi challenge” on social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, where users filmed themselves trying to fit as many mochi ice creams in their mouths as possible. The company said that it sold over 10 million mochi ice creams in 2023, and that its sales increased by over 700% year-on-year. The company also said that it expanded its production capacity, staff, and international presence, and that it plans to launch new products and flavours in 2024.
What are the Implications and Impacts of Wong’s Exit?
Wong’s exit comes as a surprise and a shock to many, as he was the co-founder and the CEO of Little Moons, and had led the company to its remarkable success and growth. Wong was also the face and the voice of the company, and had appeared in various media interviews and events, where he shared his vision and story of Little Moons.
Wong’s exit could have significant implications and impacts for Little Moons, as it could affect the company’s strategy, direction, and culture, as well as its relationships with its customers, partners, and stakeholders. Wong’s exit could also create uncertainty and instability for the company, as it faces the challenges and opportunities of scaling up and expanding its business, as well as the competition and pressure from other players in the market.
However, Little Moons said that it is confident and optimistic about its future, and that it has a strong and capable team, who will continue to execute its growth plans and deliver its products and services to its customers. Little Moons also said that it has appointed a new interim CEO, Paul Kenyon, who has over 25 years of experience in the food industry, and has held senior roles at companies such as Innocent Drinks, Gü Puds, and Ella’s Kitchen. Little Moons said that Kenyon will lead the company until a permanent replacement for Wong is found, and that he will work closely with the co-founder and creative director, Vivien Wong, and the rest of the team.
What are the Reactions and Responses of the Industry and the Public?
Wong’s exit has also drawn reactions and responses from the industry and the public, who have expressed their surprise, curiosity, and speculation about the reasons and circumstances behind his departure. Some have praised Wong for his achievements and contributions to Little Moons, and wished him well for his future endeavours. Others have questioned Wong’s decision and timing, and wondered if there were any issues or conflicts within the company or the market. Some have also expressed their concerns and doubts about the future of Little Moons, and whether it can sustain its growth and popularity without Wong.
The company has not commented publicly on the details or the reasons of Wong’s exit, and has only said that it was a mutual and amicable decision, and that Wong will remain a shareholder and a supporter of Little Moons. The company has also thanked Wong for his leadership and dedication, and said that it respects his privacy and wishes him all the best.