InnovAsian Cuisine announces a $105 million frozen food manufacturing facility in Arkansas, expanding production capacity and strengthening its US presence.
InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of Japan-based Nichirei Foods Inc., has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art frozen food manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, strengthening its production footprint in the U.S. market. The proposed 175,000-square-foot facility will be located within the 2,100-acre Craighead Technology Park in Jonesboro. After evaluating multiple states, InnovAsian selected Arkansas for its strong speed-to-market advantages, availability of a skilled workforce, and robust support from both local and state authorities. To launch the project, Nichirei Foods will invest approximately $105 million in capital funding in 2026. The new facility is expected to generate around 200 new jobs for the region.
InnovAsian products are widely available in grocery freezer aisles across the United States, offering a diverse portfolio that includes multi-serve entrées, single-serve meals, rice dishes, sides, and appetizers. The Jonesboro facility will significantly expand production capacity for the company’s rapidly growing multi-serve entrée segment, enabling InnovAsian to better meet rising consumer demand and support its long-term expansion strategy in the U.S.
Commenting on the development, Joe Kent, President and CEO of InnovAsian, said the investment marks a critical milestone for the brand’s evolution. He emphasized that the new facility aligns with Nichirei’s broader global growth strategy in North America and will help deliver high-quality Asian cuisine to more American households, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities in the local community.
Kent also acknowledged the collaboration with Jonesboro Unlimited, the Governor of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) in bringing the project to fruition.The announcement follows sustained engagement efforts by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and AEDC, whose leadership met with Nichirei Foods executives in Tokyo in 2025 to highlight Arkansas’ business-friendly environment and secure the investment.
News Courtesy: foodengineeringmag