At the 2025 International Confectionery Awards, Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi Gummies, has been named Rising Star, recognising her creative contribution and emerging influence within the global confectionery industry.
The awards celebrate excellence across the international confectionery sector, spotlighting the people and ideas driving innovation, cultural relevance and commercial growth.
This year’s Rising Star finalists reflected the diversity and entrepreneurial energy shaping the future of confectionery. Manikandan Kumar, Group CEO of Ivory Gull Candy Company, was recognised for his leadership and strategic vision within the industry, while Mika Shino stood out for introducing a distinctive confectionery concept inspired by cultural heritage and inclusivity.
Following careful consideration, the judges selected Mika Shino for her transformative impact on modern confectionery. Through Issei Mochi Gummies, she has brought a fresh texture experience to the market, combining soft, chewy mochi characteristics with broad consumer appeal. Judges praised the brand for celebrating cultural diversity while demonstrating strong commercial potential and relevance to evolving consumer tastes.
With this recognition, Mika Shino joins a new generation of confectionery innovators redefining category boundaries and introducing meaningful differentiation.
The 2025 International Confectionery Awards continues to highlight the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of confectionery.
