The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Milo’s Tea Company has opened its new $200 million manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The plant is set to employ more than 200 people once fully operational, with over 130 roles already filled. These initial hires are key to establishing the company’s signature People First culture and maintaining its strong standards in food safety, quality and operational efficiency.

Founded in 1989, Milo's Tea is said to be the fourth-largest iced tea maker in the country.

Milo's CEO Tricia Wallwork said: "This strategic location is key for us to continue to deliver excellent on-time, in-full service to our customers and delicious beverages to our fans. Brewing fresh beverages with no added colours or preservatives is not the easiest way to do business, but it's the right way to do it to deliver that consistent homemade taste."

"The proximity we have in the upstate of South Carolina to major logistics paths will create more opportunities to expand our offerings in retail locations across the mid-Atlantic."

Retail giant Walmart, a key Milo’s partner for more than three decades, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. With Milo’s products now in about 4,200 Walmart stores and more than 55,000 retail locations overall, the retailer has played a central role in the brand’s nationwide expansion.

Walmart US CEO John Furner added: "Walmart is so proud to support American businesses, and Milo's Tea Company is a very special one. Two-thirds of our product spend goes towards goods that are made, grown or assembled right here in the US. This has a great impact on creating jobs and bringing customers products they love."

"Our collaboration with Milo's, and the support from South Carolina, is a shining example of that impact, and a blueprint for how we can do even more."

The new Spartanburg facility marks another milestone in Milo’s rapid growth – the company has more than tripled in size in the past decade, expanding from under 50 to nearly 1,000 employees and growing its footprint from one to four production sites.