Desi Fresh Foods to Create 56 Jobs with New Facility in Frederick County, Virginia

In a significant boost to the local economy, Desi Fresh Foods, a leading U.S. producer of South Asian yogurt, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Frederick County, Virginia. This move will create 56 new jobs and provide a vital partnership for local dairy farmers as the company commits to sourcing a substantial portion of its ingredients from Virginia farms.

Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrated the decision, highlighting Virginia’s appeal as a top business destination. “Virginia’s status as the top state for business enables opportunities like this, where we can bring in a leading food manufacturer that will support more routes to market for our dairy farmers while also strengthening the local economy and workforce,” he said. The project underscores Virginia’s commitment to business development and agricultural growth, which remains the Commonwealth’s largest private industry.

Desi Fresh Foods, founded in 2000, is based in New York and has become the leading U.S. producer of dahi, a popular South Asian yogurt, and lassi, a drinkable yogurt. Their product lineup includes various yogurt and paneer options, catering to ethnic and mainstream markets across the nation. With this new facility, the company aims to increase production and streamline operations, positioning itself for long-term success.

The competition to secure Desi Fresh Foods’ investment was intense, with Virginia outbidding Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia for the project. The decision to choose Frederick County is a win for the region, particularly for its dairy farmers, who will play a crucial role in supplying high-quality ingredients to the company.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick pointed out that food and beverage processing is Virginia’s second-largest manufacturing sector. “Desi Fresh Foods is just the latest food and beverage manufacturer to take advantage of Virginia’s location and top-notch logistics infrastructure,” she said.

Governor Youngkin’s administration supports the project with financial incentives, including a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and another $150,000 from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. These grants will help Frederick County facilitate the project, which the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also support.

Local leaders have expressed their excitement about Desi Fresh Foods’ arrival. Josh Ludwig, chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the company’s positive impact on the local food economy. “Their presence enhances our local food economy, which encompasses farms, agribusinesses, suppliers, and our second-largest manufacturing sector—food manufacturing,” Ludwig said.

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will assist in recruiting and training new employees for Desi Fresh Foods. Launched in 2019, this program is designed to accelerate the start-up of new facilities by providing customized recruitment and training services at no cost to qualified companies. It is a valuable resource for businesses looking to expand or relocate to Virginia.

The move to Frederick County marks an exciting new chapter for Desi Fresh Foods, which has been at the forefront of bringing traditional South Asian dairy products to American consumers. The new facility solidifies the company’s growth and strengthens Virginia’s reputation as a prime location for food and beverage manufacturing.