JONESBORO, Ark. — InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc. broke ground Tuesday on a new frozen food manufacturing facility expected to create approximately 200 jobs in Jonesboro.
The 175,000-square-foot facility will be constructed at 2905 Quality Way in Craighead Technology Park. State and local officials delivered remarks before participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
InnovAsian, a subsidiary of Japan-based Nichirei Foods Inc., announced plans for the Jonesboro facility in February after a competitive search involving multiple states. The company cited the region’s workforce, speed-to-market advantages and support from state and local officials as factors in its decision.
Nichirei Foods announced plans to make a capital contribution of approximately $105 million to InnovAsian in 2026 to begin the project.
“This new facility investment underscores InnovAsian’s commitment to growth and is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand,” InnovAsian President and CEO Joe Kent said when the project was announced. “This is a major step forward for Nichirei’s global growth strategy in the North American market.”
Kent said the Jonesboro facility will help the company meet growing demand while creating jobs in the community.
The facility will increase production capacity for InnovAsian’s multi-serve frozen entrée line. The company sells frozen Asian-inspired entrées, rice, side dishes, appetizers and single-serve meals through grocery stores nationwide.
“Arkansas is proud to be a state where farm products are turned into value-added food for tables across America,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders previously said. “With approximately 200 new jobs coming to Jonesboro, this investment strengthens our economy and expands opportunity in Northeast Arkansas, while creating another market for Arkansas’ No. 1 industry, agriculture.”
Arkansas Department of Commerce and Arkansas Economic Development Commission officials met with Nichirei Foods executives in Tokyo in 2025 while working to recruit the project.
AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal described the development as a strong fit for Jonesboro and its existing food manufacturing sector.
“Jonesboro has a long history of supporting food manufacturing, and we are excited that InnovAsian has seen our competitive advantages and decided to be a part of our community,” Jonesboro Unlimited President Mark Young previously said.
Craighead Technology Park encompasses approximately 2,100 acres and is home to several major industrial operations.
Full Press Release:
InnovAsian Announces Groundbreaking of 180,000-Square-Foot Food Manufacturing Facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas
New State-of-the-Art Frozen Food Manufacturing Facility Will Create
Approximately 200 New Jobs to Boost Local Economy
JONESBORO, Ark. (August 11, 2026) – InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc., officially broke ground today on its new state-of-the-art frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This more than $150 million development will create approximately 200 new jobs, strengthening the region’s position as a vibrant hub for food manufacturing.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Mayor Harold Copenhaver, local civic leaders, state economic development officials, and InnovAsian and Nichirei Foods executive leadership. During the groundbreaking, officials celebrated the construction milestone and highlighted the positive economic impact the new manufacturing facility will have on the Jonesboro region.
“Today marks a significant milestone for InnovAsian and Nichirei as we invest in the future of Jonesboro, Arkansas and strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand,” said Joe Kent, President and CEO of InnovAsian. “This facility will accelerate our future growth with the production of high-quality Asian cuisine while creating meaningful jobs in the community.”
InnovAsian’s 180,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will be located in Craighead Technology Park, a 2,100-acre industrial park in Jonesboro. InnovAsian chose Arkansas after a competitive multi-state search, citing speed-to-market, a skilled workforce, efficient logistics, and strong local and state support as key factors.
“It’s no surprise InnovAsian chose Jonesboro, a city with everything it takes to move food from the field to the grocery store: agriculture, logistics and transportation, and advanced manufacturing, on top of a low cost of living and talented workforce,” said Governor Sanders. “Their parent company, Nichirei Foods, is headquartered on the other side of the world and didn’t find Arkansas by accident. That’s why we build relationships overseas – to tell our story abroad and bring more jobs home.”
Construction is slated to be completed by end of 2027, with production officially launching in early 2028.
“Breaking ground today is a major milestone for InnovAsian and brings them closer to creating hundreds of new jobs for Arkansans,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We thank InnovAsian and Nichirei Foods for their investment in our state and in the City of Jonesboro, which further solidifies the region as a food manufacturing hub. Congratulations to the company and the City of Jonesboro on this milestone.”
“InnovAsian’s choice to call Jonesboro home after a national search, illustrates that our community is a place where industries thrive,” said Mark Young, president and CEO of Jonesboro Unlimited. “We look forward to supporting their confidence in us for years to come.”
InnovAsian will be hiring for a range of positions at the Jonesboro facility. For more information and to apply for available positions, visit Eatinnovasian.com.
About InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc.
InnovAsian, a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc., is a leading provider of delicious frozen Asian-inspired meals, appetizers, and side dishes made for easy preparation and memorable mealtimes. InnovAsian is committed to providing flavorful, convenient meals for busy households across the United States. Learn more at Eatinnovasian.com.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. Learn more at ArkansasEDC.com.
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