Coffee roaster to invest $29M to expand Suffolk facility

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, the North American operating unit of the Italian coffee roaster Zanetti Beverage Group, will invest $29.1 million to consolidate and expand operations at its Suffolk roasting facility, a project expected to create 79 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday.

“Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA’s continued expansion in Virginia speaks volumes about the business climate, infrastructure and top-notch talent found in the city of Suffolk and the region,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Food and beverage processing is Virginia’s second-largest manufacturing sector and one of our fastest-growing industries, thanks to investments by corporate partners like MZB-USA.”

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA roasts, grinds and packages beans for retail brands including Chock full o’Nuts, Segafredo Zanetti and Kauai Coffee. At its Suffolk facility, the company produces proprietary and private label coffee, tea and drink mixes for retail and food service customers. Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group has nearly 50 companies operating in more than 100 countries.

The company also began operating a Suffolk distribution center in November 2021 and held the official dedication in March.

“This business decision fits with our long-term strategic goals to continue to invest in Hampton Roads,”MZB-USA President and CEO John Boyle said in a statement, Our proximity to major transit lanes and the Port of Virginia, one of the largest coffee ports in the country, further enhances our position and allows for continued growth, while adding to the economic vitality of the area.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Suffolk, the Hampton Roads Alliance and the Port of Virginia to secure the project, for which Virginia competed with New Jersey. Youngkin approved a $450,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Suffolk. MZB-USA is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by the VEDP and Virginia Community College System, will provide customizable recruitment and training services at no cost to the company.