Danone Unveils $65M Expansion in Jacksonville: 200 New Jobs Ahead!

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - The coffee scene in Florida is about to get a significant upgrade, thanks to a hefty investment from Danone US. The company recently announced the completion of a $65 million expansion at its Jacksonville manufacturing facility, focusing on its highly sought-after STōK Cold Brew Coffee and International Delight creamers. This newly expanded site, covering 115,000 square feet, aims to bolster domestic supply chain capabilities while meeting the ever-growing customer demand for these popular beverages. As Dan Magliocco, President of Danone North America, aptly put it, the investment reflects the company’s dedication to economic growth and consumer service.

After 77 years of operation, the Jacksonville facility has reopened its doors and is ready to roll out the new innovation of advanced bottle-molding technology. This state-of-the-art process is designed to ramp up efficiency, reduce bottle loss by 30%, and utilize less water for producing recyclable bottles. What’s more, Danone is not just stopping at coffee; a new regional distribution center in Jacksonville is in the works, aiming to streamline production and supply channels across the Southeastern United States.

Boosting Local Economy

The expansion is set to create nearly 200 direct and indirect jobs within the Jacksonville community. Given the context of many companies scaling back their production, Danone’s move stands out as a commitment to growth and innovation in a highly competitive market. This is a positive step for the local economy, especially as other businesses like PepsiCo and Conagra Brands have been trimming capacities to align with market fluctuations.

Interestingly, the surge in demand for cold brew coffee is poised to make waves, with projections estimating the market will balloon from under $500 million in 2022 to a staggering $3.11 billion by 2030. To further capitalize on this trend, Danone has plans to expand its STōK product line, introducing seasonal flavors and a new cold-brew energy drink. Clearly, there’s something to be said for capitalizing on emerging consumer needs.

A New Era for Danone

The advanced capabilities at the Jacksonville facility are not just about increasing production but also about sustainability. The upgraded processes echo a significant trend in the food and beverage industry, where companies are competing to meet rising consumer preferences while maintaining ecological responsibility. Danone aims to keep its products fresh and accessible to its retail partners, which include familiar names like 7-Eleven, Target, Costco, and Walmart.

With approximately 90% of Danone products in the U.S. being produced domestically, this expansion not only secures the brand’s presence in a growing market but also reinforces its commitment to local manufacturing. As Danone continues to invest in both innovation and community, there’s every reason to believe that this company is setting the stage for even greater successes in the beverage industry.

For more details, you can read the full coverage from World Coffee Portal, Food Dive, and Agron Food Processing.