US hummus producer Sabra will add a 40,000-square-foot expansion to its production facility in Virginia, which will allow it to get its freshly made dips to retail stores more quickly.
Sabra has broken ground on the expansion, which will more than doubles its finished goods storage capacity and lays the groundwork for future packaging customisation capabilities and an improved carbon footprint. It already claims that the site, near Richmond, is the world’s largest hummus-making facility.
The company is a joint-venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, which between them are betting on the US’ fresh dips category. According to figures from IRI, more than 37% of this $2.15 billion segment is accounted for by hummus, and Sabra holds roughly a 60% share in the US.
Sabra chief executive Tomer Harpaz said: “America’s favourite hummus is made in America, right here in Chesterfield County, Virginia. [Now] we break ground on what will be the fourth expansion on this campus, reflecting both Sabra’s growth to date and the anticipated continued brand and category evolution we envision for the near future. Already, we are witnessing the way hummus consumption in the US is shifting from a special occasion dip to an everyday feel good food. As a proud employer in the region, we are thrilled that this expansion will allow us to welcome additional people to the Sabra family.”
When the work is completed, Sabra expects the expansion to create an additional 12 full-time positions.
The expansion will significantly improve efficiencies and increase cold storage capabilities while enabling freshly packaged products to get to stores – and therefore consumers – more quickly.
Dorothy Jaeckle, the local district supervisor, added: “When Sabra joined our community in 2010, we were so pleased that the brand synonymous with hummus chose Chesterfield County as a place to grow. Sabra’s presence has meant that some of the most innovative thought leadership and culinary advances in the plant-based food space are happening right here. Sabra has always proudly shared its success with our community, not only in the way of food and jobs but also through initiatives like Plants with a Purpose, Sabra’s community engagement initiative that helps increase education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables within the food deserts in our area.”
Sabra produces a range of hummus dips in flavours such as caramelised onion, olive tapenade and roasted garlic – as well as guacamole, salsa and Mediterranean bean dips.
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