Area Development
American Vegetable Soybean and Edamame Inc. (AVS) has announced it will open a new edamame processing facility in Mulberry, Arkansas. The company plans to invest $5.8 million in the Crawford County facility expected to eventually employ about 51 people.

JYC International, the parent company of AVS, has been researching the possibility of domestic production in an effort to find soybeans comparable to the consistency and quality of edamame imported from China.

"AVS is excited to be part of the larger Arkansas community and, more specifically, the city of Mulberry as we work together to make this new vegetable soybean industry successful and sustainable," said Dr. Gene Chung, president of JYC International. "..We look forward to many years of success here as we become the edamame capital of the United States."

JYC International has been importing frozen foods from China to the U.S. since 2002. It distributing its products via outlets such as Costco Wholesale Clubs, Sam's Club, major U.S. grocery chains and specialty food markets.