Chobani, the well-known Greek yogurt brand, is making a significant investment of $1.2 billion to construct a new dairy processing plant in upstate New York. This plant will be the largest facility investment in the company’s history and is a testament to their commitment to growth and innovation.
The new 1.4 million square-foot facility in Rome, New York, will be Chobani’s third dairy processing plant in the U.S. Situated on 150 acres of land that was once part of the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the plant is projected to create over 1,000 full-time jobs. The completion of the project is expected by the end of 2026.
Chobani’s founder and CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, expressed his excitement about returning to New York, where the company’s journey began. The new plant will have the capacity to produce more than 1 billion pounds of dairy products annually and will house up to 28 production lines capable of processing approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day.
As one of the largest buyers of raw milk in New York, Chobani currently purchases over 1 billion pounds of raw milk from local dairy farms each year. With the new plant operating at full capacity, the company estimates an annual purchase of around 6 billion pounds of raw milk.
In addition to its signature Greek yogurt, Chobani has diversified its product offerings with innovations such as zero sugar and high protein options. The company has also expanded into new categories with the introduction of oat milk, creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee following its acquisition of La Colombe in 2023.
The decision to build the new plant stems from the increasing demand for Chobani products and the company’s desire to continue introducing new innovations to the market. This investment follows a recent announcement of a $500 million expansion at their Twin Falls, Idaho facility, reflecting the company’s commitment to growth and meeting consumer needs.
The surge in demand for yogurt products, particularly with the rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, has led to increased sales for companies like Chobani and its competitors. As consumers seek healthier options to complement their medication regimens, the market for yogurt and dairy products is poised for continued growth.
Overall, Chobani’s investment in the new dairy processing plant underscores their dedication to quality, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers in the dairy industry.
