Exciting News:
- Grillo’s Pickles is expanding with a new $54 million food manufacturing plant near Columbus, Indiana, to keep up with the high demand for their fresh pickle products.
- Irresistible Foods Group, the parent company of Grillo’s and King’s Hawaiian sweet bread brands, has officially broken ground on a 155,000-square-foot pickle factory and plans to hire around 150 employees.
- The new plant is strategically located next to a 300,000-square-foot King’s Hawaiian bakery that is currently under construction and projected to open next year, according to theGreater Columbus Economic Development Corporation.
Insights:
In December 2023, Irresistible Foods Group committed to investing up to $180 million in building King’s Hawaiian’s first Midwest production plant.
The chosen site for the bakery is an 88-acre plot near Exit 76 on Interstate 65, providing ample space for future expansion.
Joe Leonardo, VP of Strategic Operations for Irresistible Foods Group and COO of King’s Hawaiian, stated, “When we acquired the Bartholomew County site, we envisioned developing it in stages. The announcement regarding Grillo’s Pickles aligns with our long-term plan.”
Local and state authorities have shown support for these projects to boost economic growth in south-central Indiana. Bartholomew County has pledged up to $3.7 million for infrastructure upgrades, including water, sewer, and road improvements.
Last year, officials granted tax relief to Irresistible Foods Group for the Grillo’s factory and equipment over a decade, resulting in estimated savings of $1.2 million.
Adam Kaufman, President and CEO of Grillo’s, highlighted the brand’s commitment to quality: “Our pickles, made from a century-old family recipe, are preservative-free and sold refrigerated. Bartholomew County offers us a skilled workforce and business-friendly environment for our new production site.”
Additionally, Greater Columbus EDC has allocated $1 million for interstate improvements near the upcoming facilities. Indiana EDC has also pledged up to $1.4 million in job creation tax credits for the Grillo’s project.
Established in 2008, Grillo’s Pickles started as a small pickle cart in Boston Common, eventually expanding to local Whole Foods stores. The brand has experienced rapid growth, recording $28 million in sales in 2021, capturing a significant portion of the refrigerated pickle market.