Chobani Announces Major Expansion Of World's Largest Yogurt Manufacturing Plant In Twin Falls, Idaho

NORWICH, N.Y., March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chobani, LLC, America's #1 Greek Yogurt brand, announced today a major expansion to its manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, which will be used to drive continued growth in the region, the state and the community and expand production capability to meet demand for new and existing products.

As the yogurt category and overall consumption continues to grow, Chobani is self-funding major expansion initiatives, including:

• Purchase and conversion of three production lines for Chobani "Flip"™ products-- its fastest growing yogurt platform
• Purchase of a new production line and a new bulk production line for foodservice opportunities to drive further growth in schools, hotels, airlines and restaurants
• Purchase of new equipment for new adjacent categories like Chobani Meze™ Dips and yogurt drinks
• Launch of products to new international markets, including Mexico and Puerto Rico in Q2 2016, furthering its mission to make better food for more people

"Building the largest yogurt manufacturing plant in the world and expanding it three years later is a really proud moment for us and an example of how right it was to pick Idaho as our second home," said Hamdi Ulukaya, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chobani. "Our success in Idaho and New York is an example of the power and strength of U.S. manufacturing. To food companies like ours, it's a signal of the momentum of the food movement that we started: better food for more people."

Chobani commissioned its second domestic manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, in 2013, making it the largest yogurt manufacturing facility in the world. The company had previously invested more than $450 million to build the one million square foot, world-class operation. The initial construction was completed in an unprecedented 326 days, with more than 2,000 men and women who put in more than 1.7 million man hours to build the state-of-the-art facility from the ground up.

Chobani's presence in Idaho has served as a catalyst for new jobs and continues to have a significant positive economic impact in the region. Since its arrival, unemployment has reached record-low levels and major businesses from across the country have moved to the region.

"The kind of success that Chobani is experiencing in the Magic Valley is setting a great example of regional collaboration between employers and community leaders throughout Idaho," said Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter. "And it has economic development leaders all over America standing up and taking notice of what Idaho has to offer. That's all above and beyond the on-the-ground benefits that Chobani's growth and proactive corporate citizenship are providing for our citizens and Idaho's economy. I'm proud that Chobani chose Idaho and is helping us set a golden example of what it means to accelerate Idaho by moving at the speed of business." 

In addition to expansion plans in Twin Falls, the company is also exploring plans to expand its original plant in Central New York.

Chobani works closely with its communities in Twin Falls and Central New York to support local initiatives. In its three years in Idaho, Chobani has initiated a job training program in conjunction with the College of Southern Idaho and The Chobani Foundation, Chobani's charitable arm, has supported several projects, including the Twin Falls Downtown Renaissance Project, Special Olympics Idaho, the Canyon Rim Classic Soccer Tournament, numerous hunger relief agencies and Veterans service organizations.

Chobani's market-share of overall yogurt is 19.3, which is the highest share in Chobani's history and translates to 36.1 share of overall Greek Yogurt.* Topline sales growth is up 25 percent year-over-year versus year prior. The company currently receives up to 4-million pounds of fresh milk from local farms in New York and Idaho every day and employs more than 2,000 people. For every hire Chobani makes, it is estimated that up to 10 jobs are created in its communities.

On the heels of the its Chobani "Flip"™ product success, Chobani recently announced its expansion and investment beyond the yogurt aisle with two new products that build on the Mediterranean tradition of shared spreads with Chobani Meze™ Dips and delicious, portable protein with Drink Chobani™ beverage– all true to Chobani's food philosophy of using only natural, non-GMO ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Rooted in the rich tradition of the Mediterranean table and inspired by global flavors, Chobani Meze™ Dips feature real veggies, herbs and spices blended with creamy Greek Yogurt. With 80 percent less fat and 65 percent fewer calories than the leading hummus** products, all while being made with only natural ingredients, Chobani Meze™ Dips are perfect for dipping vegetables, chips or pretzels. Drink Chobani™ yogurt beverage is made with only natural ingredients including real fruit and probiotics, for an easy-to-drink option perfect to take on-the-go and an excellent source of protein.