Chobani plans to establish a 1.4 million-square-foot facility in Oneida County, New York, aimed at producing 1 billion pounds of dairy products annually. This $1.2 billion investment is expected to create 1,000 jobs and facilitate the processing of over 12 million pounds of milk daily, significantly benefiting local dairy farms. New York's Empire State Development office will support the project with up to $73 million in tax credits, while Chobani will develop workforce training initiatives for underserved communities.
This development is seen as a pivotal moment for New York's dairy industry, which is already the largest yogurt producer in the U.S. Industry stakeholders express optimism about the investment's potential to bolster the region's economy and sustain the agricultural workforce, with Chobani's strategic location near Interstate 90 providing critical access to East Coast markets.
The facility's construction aligns with Chobani's commitment to local dairy farms, as highlighted by various industry leaders who underscore the importance of investing in dairy processing capabilities to ensure market stability. The collaboration with local farmers and supply chain associates is central to the company's ethos, as evidenced by CEO Hamdi Ulukaya's reflections on Chobani's roots in New York.
From a transportation standpoint, the facility's strategic placement enhances logistics efficiency for milk haulage and product distribution. Connecting agricultural production with key transportation networks is crucial for minimizing transportation costs and ensuring freshness in dairy products. Investments like this also reinforce the resilience of supply chains in U.S. agriculture, as regional processing centers can streamline operations and respond more adeptly to market demands. This can lead to improved sustainability in transportation and logistics practices within the dairy industry, benefiting both producers and consumers.