Chobani to invest $1.2 billion in new New York dairy plant

Chobani’s latest dairy expansion aims to meet rising U.S. demand and generate over 1,000 new jobs.

Chobani Greek yogurt is displayed for sale at a grocery store in San Diego, California. (c) Mike Blake/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Chobani, the Greek-yogurt company known for disrupting the U.S. dairy aisle, announced on Tuesday its latest move to solidify its leadership in the yogurt and dairy industry: a $1.2 billion investment in a new dairy processing plant in New York. The new facility will be Chobani’s third dairy plant in the United States and is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs upon completion.

The Chobani dairy plant investment is a strategic response to growing demand for the company’s high-protein, low-sugar yogurt and dairy-based products, as more Americans embrace healthier and more affordable food options amid a shifting economic landscape.

“New York has always been home to Chobani,” the company stated. “This investment reinforces our commitment to American manufacturing and to the communities we serve.” While the exact location of the plant in upstate New York has yet to be disclosed, the project will complement existing operations and enhance the company’s ability to bring new innovations to market faster.

In recent months, Chobani has doubled down on its domestic growth strategy, having already announced a $500 million expansion of its Idaho plant just last month. That move was intended to bolster West Coast distribution and production. With the new New York facility on the horizon, Chobani aims to tighten its supply chain, reduce delivery times, and meet growing demand in key markets across the Northeast and Midwest.

Currently, Chobani products are manufactured in New York, Idaho, Michigan, and Australia. They are widely available across North America and distributed in select international markets, including Australia. This global footprint is likely to benefit from improved supply dynamics stemming from the New York expansion.

The company emphasized that the new plant would not only increase production capacity but also serve as a hub for developing new dairy innovations, including plant-based and lactose-free alternatives—a segment where Chobani has been gradually increasing its presence.

Chobani’s bold investment underscores a broader trend in the U.S. food industry: smaller, agile brands gaining market share from traditional conglomerates. While food giants like Unilever continue to dominate shelf space, many are struggling to keep pace with consumers who are increasingly cost-conscious, health-driven, and loyal to brands they perceive as authentic.

Chobani, along with other rising players like Duke's and Mike's Amazing, has benefited from this shift. Their emphasis on quality ingredients, transparency, and affordability has helped them chip away at the dominance of legacy food companies, especially in the refrigerated and health-food segments.

In this context, the Chobani dairy plant investment not only signals confidence in the brand’s future, but also reflects a broader realignment in consumer preferences—where innovation, responsiveness, and trust matter more than scale alone.

Beyond yogurt production, Chobani’s expansion in New York is expected to have a ripple effect on local economies. The projected creation of more than 1,000 full-time jobs will offer significant opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, operations, and food science—positions that will contribute to revitalizing upstate New York’s economic landscape.

Company representatives stated that training programs and partnerships with local colleges and workforce development agencies will be a key part of the project, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the company’s investment.

In addition, the construction phase of the facility is expected to employ hundreds of temporary workers, including engineers, electricians, and general contractors—many of whom will likely be sourced from New York-based firms.

Chobani has also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable practices as it embarks on this massive build. According to the company, the new plant will be designed with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility at its core, incorporating renewable energy sources, water conservation systems, and waste-reduction technologies.

Chobani plans to increase its reliance on locally sourced milk from New York dairy farms as part of its vertically integrated supply chain model. This move not only supports regional agriculture but also reduces transportation emissions—a key part of Chobani’s broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality.

“From day one, our mission has been to make better food more accessible,” the company said. “This investment helps us bring that mission to more people in more places, with less impact on the planet.”

The U.S. yogurt market continues to evolve, with Greek-style and high-protein variants driving category growth. According to industry analysts, the market is expected to surpass $10 billion by 2028, with an increasing share attributed to value-driven and health-conscious consumers.

Chobani’s continued expansion positions it well to capture this growth, especially as larger competitors face challenges around brand loyalty, product innovation, and pricing.

By investing in localized manufacturing and innovation hubs, Chobani gains agility—something multinational food giants often lack. This flexibility allows it to respond swiftly to new dietary trends, such as high-protein snacking, keto-friendly products, and dairy-free offerings.

With the Chobani dairy plant investment now in motion, the company is not only reinforcing its New York roots but also setting the stage for sustained national and international expansion. If all goes as planned, Chobani’s new facility could become a model for modern dairy manufacturing—blending tradition, technology, and sustainability.

For now, the spotlight remains on the company’s ability to deliver on its ambitious promises while maintaining the brand trust that helped it rise from a small startup in 2005 to one of the most recognizable names in the U.S. dairy aisle.

As Chobani prepares for its next chapter, one thing is clear: the battle for America’s dairy shelves is far from over—and Chobani intends to lead the charge.

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