InnovAsian Announces Groundbreaking of 180,000-Square-Foot Food Manufacturing Facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas

New State-of-the-Art Frozen Food Manufacturing Facility Will Create Approximately 200 New Jobs to Boost Local Economy

JONESBORO, Ark. (August 11, 2026) – InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc., officially broke ground today on its new state-of-the-art frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This more than $150 million development will create approximately 200 new jobs, strengthening the region’s position as a vibrant hub for food manufacturing.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Mayor Harold Copenhaver, local civic leaders, state economic development officials, and InnovAsian and Nichirei Foods executive leadership. During the groundbreaking, officials celebrated the construction milestone and highlighted the positive economic impact the new manufacturing facility will have on the Jonesboro region.

"Today marks a significant milestone for InnovAsian and Nichirei as we invest in the future of Jonesboro, Arkansas and strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand," said Joe Kent, President and CEO of InnovAsian. "This facility will accelerate our future growth with the production of high-quality Asian cuisine while creating meaningful jobs in the community.”

InnovAsian’s 180,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will be located in Craighead Technology Park, a 2,100-acre industrial park in Jonesboro. InnovAsian chose Arkansas after a competitive multi-state search, citing speed-to-market, a skilled workforce, efficient logistics, and strong local and state support as key factors.

“It’s no surprise InnovAsian chose Jonesboro, a city with everything it takes to move food from the field to the grocery store: agriculture, logistics and transportation, and advanced manufacturing, on top of a low cost of living and talented workforce,” said Governor Sanders. “Their parent company, Nichirei Foods, is headquartered on the other side of the world and didn’t find Arkansas by accident. That’s why we build relationships overseas – to tell our story abroad and bring more jobs home.”

Construction is slated to be completed by end of 2027, with production officially launching in early 2028.

“Breaking ground today is a major milestone for InnovAsian and brings them closer to creating hundreds of new jobs for Arkansans,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We thank InnovAsian and Nichirei Foods for their investment in our state and in the City of Jonesboro, which further solidifies the region as a food manufacturing hub. Congratulations to the company and the City of Jonesboro on this milestone.”

“InnovAsian’s choice to call Jonesboro home after a national search, illustrates that our community is a place where industries thrive,” said Mark Young, president and CEO of Jonesboro Unlimited. “We look forward to supporting their confidence in us for years to come.”

InnovAsian will be hiring for a range of positions at the Jonesboro facility. For more information and to apply for available positions, visit Eatinnovasian.com.

About InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc.
InnovAsian, a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc., is a leading provider of delicious frozen Asian-inspired meals, appetizers, and side dishes made for easy preparation and memorable mealtimes. InnovAsian is committed to providing flavorful, convenient meals for busy households across the United States. Learn more at Eatinnovasian.com.

About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. Learn more at ArkansasEDC.com.