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

Veetee Foods, a global producer of ready-to-eat rice meals, plans to open a new production facility in Selma, North Carolina, US, creating 200 jobs.

The company, headquartered in Kent, UK, will invest $36 million at Eastfield Crossing. Veetee's expansion is supported by a $996,750 Jobs Development & Investment Grant (JDIG) from the NC Department of Commerce.

According to the company, "jobs at the new facility will average nearly $60,000 in annual compensation".

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said: “It’s great to see another international company like Veetee Foods decide that North Carolina is the perfect place to expand their presence in the United States. Our state’s talented workforce and worker training systems, along with our infrastructure and transportation networks give companies the confidence they seek in a world-class business location like Johnston County.”

Moni Varma, chairman of Veetee Foods, commented: “North Carolina offers numerous business advantages and the location at Eastfield Crossing provides the ideal site, putting our growing company in close proximity to US consumers, a great workforce and supportive local leaders.”

The new facility is projected to add nearly $233 million to Johnston County's annual GDP, with an estimated $1.7 million in annual tax revenues for local governments. These funds will support public services such as police, fire, roads, schools and libraries. “Companies like Veetee that are arriving and thriving in Johnston County make a positive impact on our communities that go well beyond immediate job creation,” said Chris Johnson, director of the Johnston County Economic Development Office.

#VeeteeFoods #rice