Area Development
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, one of the largest vertically integrated coffee companies in North America, and the North American operating unit of the Italy-based Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group, will consolidate and expand operations at its roasting facility in the City of Suffolk, Virginia. The $29.1 million project is expected to create 79 jobs.

The state-of-the art manufacturing facility produces proprietary and private label coffee, tea, and drink mix.

“We are excited to be expanding our business and continuing our partnership with our friends from the City of Suffolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance, which reaffirms our commitment to this community,” said John Boyle, President & CEO, MZB-USA. “This business decision fits with our long-term strategic goals to continue to invest in Hampton Roads. 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. Hampton Roads has a business-friendly environment, high quality of life, and a diverse talent pool. We are looking forward to a successful future and adding talented individuals to our existing family of employees here in Suffolk.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Suffolk, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $450,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Suffolk with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

“The Commonwealth’s food and beverage industry is a powerhouse for our economy that employs more than 42,000 Virginians, and we are proud that a global brand like Massimo Zanetti Beverage continues its upward trajectory in the City of Suffolk and Hampton Roads,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We congratulate all the partners involved in securing this expansion project that will create 79 new jobs and look forward to the company’s next chapter of growth in the Commonwealth.”

Support for job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

“Hampton Roads is fortunate that Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA is continuing to invest in Suffolk, also known as Virginia’s caffeine capital,” said Douglas L. Smith, President and CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance. “The company’s corporate headquarters, roasting operations, and a newly constructed distribution center are all located in Suffolk, and it serves as a cornerstone of the region’s growing food and beverage cluster. We’d like to congratulate and thank our partners at Massimo Zanetti, the City of Suffolk, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for continuing to caffeinate the Hampton Roads economy.”

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA is among the nation's largest coffee roasters, with nationally recognized retail brands including Hills Bros.®, Chock full o'Nuts®, Segafredo Zanetti®, Kauai Coffee®, MJB®, and Chase & Sanborn®.

“It is always good news when a company chooses to reinvest here and does so, in part, because of the benefits it gets by moving its cargo across The Port of Virginia,” said Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director Stephen A. Edwards. “Massimo Zanetti Beverage’s decision to expand in Suffolk highlights the pro-business environment in Virginia and the ancillary-type jobs that the port market creates. Our goal is to help Massimo Zanetti capitalize on our performance and grow its business. We look forward to serving as its international trade gateway for years to come.”