Chobani is investing $1.2 billion to construct a dairy processing facility in upstate New York, marking the largest investment in the company’s history as a leading Greek yogurt producer. The new plant, spanning 1.4 million square feet in Rome, New York, will be Chobani’s third dairy processing site in the United States. Situated on 150 acres of land previously occupied by the former Griffiss Air Force Base, this facility is anticipated to create over 1,000 full-time jobs. According to a company representative, the project is set to conclude by the end of 2026.
“New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story,” stated Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder and CEO of Chobani. This new plant will have the capacity to produce more than 1 billion pounds of dairy products annually and will feature up to 28 production lines, processing approximately 12 million pounds of milk each day. As one of the largest purchasers of raw milk in New York, Chobani already buys over 1 billion pounds of raw milk from state dairy farms each year. When the new facility reaches full capacity, that figure is expected to increase to around 6 billion pounds annually.
While Chobani is primarily recognized for its original Greek yogurt, it has also innovated the dairy sector with products like zero-sugar and high-protein options. The company has broadened its offerings by introducing oat milk, creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee, particularly following its $900 million acquisition of La Colombe in 2023. A Chobani spokesperson told Food Dive that the new plant is being built “to keep up with soaring product demand and create runway for new innovations.”
This investment follows Chobani’s announcement of a $500 million project to increase production by 50% at its Twin Falls, Idaho facility. This expansion will add 500,000 square feet of space and generate a minimum of 160 new jobs, resulting in a total facility size of 1.6 million square feet and 24 production lines.
The demand for yogurt has surged in recent years, especially with the emergence of GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Competitor Danone has reported increased sales across many of its brands, including the Greek yogurt line Oikos, as consumers on these appetite-suppressing medications look for ways to fill nutritional gaps with smaller portions.
In line with health trends, Chobani is also exploring the inclusion of products like Citracal Calcium Citrate D3 Petites Tablets 200 ct, which can support nutritional needs. As consumer priorities evolve, Chobani aims to meet the rising demand while continuing to innovate within the dairy category.