Desi Fresh Foods, a leading U.S. producer of South Asian yogurt products, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Frederick County, Virginia, bringing 56 new jobs to the area.
The expansion will allow the company to significantly increase its production capacity while sourcing a substantial portion of its dairy ingredients from local Virginia farms.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the decision, emphasizing the state’s favorable business environment. "Virginia’s status as the top state for business enables opportunities like this, where we can bring in a leading food manufacturer that will support more routes to market for our dairy farmers while also strengthening the local economy and workforce," Youngkin said.
According to a statement by the governor's office, the company, known for its production of dahi (South Asian yogurt) and lassi (a drinkable yogurt), chose Virginia over Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Desi Fresh Foods’ CEO Larry LaPorta expressed excitement about the move, stating that the new location will help streamline operations and support long-term growth.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, along with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, collaborated to secure the project. In addition to job creation, the company will benefit from US$ 300,000 in state grants, including US$ 150,000 from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and US$ 150,000 from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.
The company’s expansion is part of a broader trend in Virginia’s growing food and beverage manufacturing sector, which is the Commonwealth’s second-largest manufacturing industry. "Desi Fresh Foods is just the latest food and beverage manufacturer to take advantage of Virginia’s location and top-notch logistics infrastructure," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick.
Support for Desi Fresh Foods’ workforce development will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a state initiative designed to accelerate new facility start-ups through customized recruitment and training services. Launched in 2019, the program is funded by the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly, offering these services at no cost to qualifying companies.
Local officials also welcomed the news. Josh Ludwig, chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, said, "Their presence enhances our local food economy, which encompasses farms, agribusinesses, suppliers, and our second-largest manufacturing sector—food manufacturing."
Founded in 2000, Desi Fresh Foods is headquartered in New York and distributes its Indian-style yogurt products, including whole milk, low-fat, fat-free, organic yogurt, and lower-fat paneer and lassi, nationwide through both ethnic and mainstream retailers.
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