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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Plans Jonesboro, Arkansas, Production Operations

02/04/2026
InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc., a producer of Asian-inspired frozen meals, plans to establish operations in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The $105 million project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs.

The investment will include the construction of a 175,000-square-foot frozen food manufacturing facility at the Craighead Technology Park.

“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. It has been a pleasure to work with Jonesboro Unlimited, the Governor of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), and we look forward to delivering innovation and flavor to more families across America.”

InnovAsian Cuisine, a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods, develops and markets a range of frozen Asian-inspired meals, appetizers, sides, and prepared foods sold in grocery stores and foodservice outlets.

“Arkansas is excited to welcome InnovAsian to Jonesboro with its new frozen food manufacturing facility,” noted Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “InnovAsian is a leading frozen food company, and this project is a perfect fit for Jonesboro. We congratulate InnovAsian and Nichirei Foods on their growth, as well as the community of Jonesboro on this big economic development win.”

“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,” added Mark Young, President of Jonesboro Unlimited.

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