InnovAsian Slates New Frozen Food Facility in Arkansas

InnovAsian chose Arkansas after a competitive multi-state search, citing speed-to-market, a skilled workforce and strong local and state support as key factors.
InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc., will build a state-of-the-art frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This major development will create approximately 200 new jobs, strengthening the region’s position as a vibrant hub for food manufacturing.
Found in grocery freezer aisles nationwide, InnovAsian brings family-favorite Asian dishes to the table with bold, restaurant-inspired flavors. From popular multi-serve entrées to rice, sides, appetizers, and single-serve meals, the brand makes weeknight dinners easy.
The new facility will significantly increase production capacity for its high-growth multi-serve entrée line, supporting the company’s continued growth in the U.S. market.
“This new facility investment underscores InnovAsian’s commitment to growth and is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand. This is a major step forward for Nichirei’s global growth strategy in the North American market,” said Joe Kent, president and CEO of InnovAsian. “Our new Jonesboro facility will allow us to meet growing demand for high-quality Asian cuisine while creating meaningful jobs in the community.”
The 175,000-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 and strong local and state support as key factors.
Nichirei will make a capital contribution of approximately $105 million to InnovAsian in 2026 to initiate the project.
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.
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