Governor Hochul Announces Chobani to Make the Nation’s Largest Investment Ever in a Natural Food Production Facility in the Mohawk Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Chobani - a next generation food and beverage company originally known for its high-quality Greek yogurt - has chosen New York State's Mohawk Valley as the location for the nation's largest investment in natural food manufacturing after a competitive nationwide search. Chobani, which opened its first U.S. plant in 2005 in New York, will build a 1.4 million square foot, $1.2 billion facility in Rome, Oneida County, capable of producing over one-billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year. The expansion will add more than 1,000 jobs to the region and nearly double Chobani's total New York State workforce.

"Through this partnership with Chobani, we're revitalizing Upstate New York's manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time," Governor Hochul said. "Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County - the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history. When I took office I pledged to make New York the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation, and projects like this one show our strategy is working."

Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said, "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. Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special - something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion, and only the highest-quality ingredients. With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we're entering a new dimension, partnering with hard working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you're not just building a business - you're building a future."

Chobani's latest facility will be built at the Triangle parcel located at Griffiss Business and Technology Park, which was awarded more than $23 million from FAST NY last year to complete infrastructure and transportation improvements. When at full capacity, Chobani will process over 12 million pounds of milk per day, representing a large economic opportunity for the state's dairy farms.

Chobani has selected Rome, New York for this project based on:

• A skilled local workforce, including a high concentration of military veterans living in the area, as well as graduates from nearby colleges
• Easy access to the major population of the East Coast
• Availability of affordable housing in the area as well as Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to building affordable homes in New York State
• Additional resources coming from the state to support the creation of new jobs

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Today's announcement represents how New York is building a stronger, more sustainable economy that creates jobs, promotes tradable industries and supports additional economic sectors in the state. This public-private partnership with Chobani will grow the market for New York's dairy farmers, create jobs that provide a path to the middle class, and develop even more world-class food products that are widely recognized across North America. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, the State continues to invest in the companies and jobs that bolster New York's economic vitality of today and tomorrow."

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Twenty years ago, Chobani opened its first U.S. facility right here in New York, so we're thrilled with their decision to expand their roots here with a brand-new manufacturing facility in the Mohawk Valley. This is tremendous news for our state and for our dairy farmers, who will be supplying milk to this state-of-the-art processing facility. Chobani has long been a part of New York's world-class dairy industry, and this feels like a real full-circle moment to welcome them to another region in our state. I thank Governor Hochul and all of the partners involved and look forward to the positive long-term impact this will have on our dairy community statewide."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "New York's dairy industry is essential to the success of our state's economy, putting food on the table for families statewide and providing countless pathways to good-paying careers. Governor Hochul has made strengthening New York's agricultural workforce a top priority and the results speak for themselves. Chobani's massive investment in the Mohawk Valley will continue to expand our state's impressive, and delicious, dairy offerings and bring career opportunities to so many New Yorkers, including those in underserved populations."

To help facilitate the company's investment and expansion in the Mohawk Valley, Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide Chobani up to $73 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support the creation of more than 1,000 jobs at the Rome location. Additionally, the company has pledged to collaborate with ESD to develop workforce training that aims to train and provide job opportunities at Chobani to underserved populations.

The dairy industry is the largest single segment of New York's $8 billion agricultural industry. The state has nearly 3,000 dairy farms that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the fifth largest dairy state in the United States. New York is the largest producer of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese and the fifth largest producer of milk. The dairy community in New York includes both large dairy operations and small, family run farms. It also boasts approximately 200 dairy processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers.

Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County."

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "Today, Chobani makes Upstate New York the No. 1 Greek yogurt producer in America. Chobani's $1 billion investment - the largest investment in natural food making in American history - is a win-win-win for Chobani, NY dairy farmers, and the Mohawk Valley economy and jobs. I've fought to help Chobani grow since the very beginning to lay the foundation for a day like today. When Chobani wanted to expand the reach of their delicious and nutritious Greek yogurt, I helped get them included in the national school lunch program to be enjoyed by children across the country. With this new factory, more people will be able to enjoy their 'Made In NY' Greek yogurt than ever before. Dairy farmers are the beating heart of Upstate NY and this massive new facility and 1,000 new jobs will help support so many family farms across the state. I sincerely thank Chobani's amazing CEO, and my very good friend, Hamdi Ulukaya for continuing his commitment to our state. I also thank Governor Hochul: without her leadership, today would not be possible. New York is proud that Chobani calls it home and more people will be enjoying their yogurt that comes from NY dairy farms made here in the Mohawk Valley than ever before."

Representative John Mannion said, "This transformational investment by Chobani is a major win for New York State, and its success is a top priority for the Mohawk Valley. Residents of NY-22 will help fill the 1,000 new jobs and increased demand will benefit local dairy farmers and strengthen their bottom lines. I was proud to support FAST NY in the State Senate, working with Governor Hochul to drive economic growth and create good paying jobs for New Yorkers. I'm grateful for the Governor's leadership and for Chobani's continued commitment to New York agriculture, our workers, and our communities."

State Senator Joseph Griffo said, "I thank Chobani for their willingness to continue to invest in Upstate New York and appreciate the efforts of all those who have helped make today's announcement a reality, especially Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. and the Governor and Empire State Development. This major expansion will generate new employment opportunities, boost the local and regional economies, strengthen the state's dairy industry and enhance the City of Rome, Oneida County and Upstate New York. I am looking forward to watching as this project progresses and am excited about the significant, positive, transformational impact it will potentially have on the community, region and state."

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenchon said, "I welcome Chobani to my district and look forward to a great partnership. Chobani is an amazing employer that provides healthy, delicious products for our families. They also always support our local communities by helping those in need. I sincerely thank Chobani for choosing Oneida County and for all they do for New York State."

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, "This is a generational win for Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley. We believed in the potential of the Griffiss Triangle site and invested over $6 million to make it shovel-ready because we knew it could attract a world-class partner like Chobani. I'm proud of the role Oneida County played in bringing this transformative project to fruition. This $1 billion investment will create over 1,000 good-paying jobs, boost our local economy, and reaffirm our region as a hub for innovation and opportunity. We couldn't be happier to welcome Chobani to Rome and begin this new chapter together."

Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said, "We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul and the State of New York for their continued support of Chobani's tremendous project here in the City of Rome. This transformative investment marks a major step forward for our community, bringing new jobs, opportunities, innovation, and growth. The redevelopment of the Triangle Site was a visionary effort - one that required forward-thinking investments, long-term commitment and dedication. We are very proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter for Rome."

Governor Hochul's Ongoing Support for the Agricultural Industry
Today's expansion of Chobani in Rome complements Governor Hochul's commitment to the agriculture industry in New York State. Governor Hochul has made record investments to support the state's farmers. Initiatives such as Nourish NY and the 30 percent Initiative have connected locally grown food with underserved communities while boosting the agricultural economy. Governor Hochul has invested $55 million to help dairy farms adopt sustainable practices and modernize operations and protected and enhanced the state's farming industry through an $82 million investment in agricultural stewardship programs.

In her most recent State of the State, Governor Hochul has continued to build on these efforts and has proposed additional investment in agricultural stewardship programs and will provide additional funding to research and implement climate-resilient practices on dairy farms. Additionally, the Governor has proposed the expansion of agriculture education in New York's schools. More information on the Governor's 2025 State of the State proposals for New York's agriculture industry.

About Chobani
Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk and creamers - Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world - putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contact the Governor's Press Office