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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Italy-Based Certified Origins Plans Newport News, Virginia, U.S. Production Center

04/04/2022
Certified Origins, an Italy-based company focused on providing fresh and authentic extra virgin olive oil, will establish its first U.S. production facility at Oakland Industrial Park in Newport News, Virginia. The $25 million project is expected to create 30 new jobs.

The company will select and import high-quality extra virgin olive oils through The Port of Virginia to offer craft blends and tailored packaging solutions for local and global markets.

“The state of Virginia has an outstanding port, which is a key part of our logistics chain,” said Certified Origins Managing Director Nacho Nuez. “Having a high-volume, efficient, and state-of-the-art port was a key deciding factor for the location. Virginia is centrally located in the mid-Atlantic region, which is a great location to support our customers, and we can easily ship to distribution centers by truck or rail from our manufacturing facility or from the port. The Hampton Roads area has a large pool of skilled workers that we feel would be an ideal fit for our state-of-the-art facility. The area is also very attractive to potential new employees for its reasonable cost of living, activities, and proximity to Washington, D.C. and the Outer Banks.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Newport News and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $125,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Newport News with the project. Certified Origins is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Certified Origins’ first U.S. production facility in the City of Newport News will enable the company to easily import and distribute its high-quality olive oil products while continuing to build partnerships with retailers across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The Hampton Roads region has emerged as a hub for the food and beverage sector, and Certified Origins will be a valuable addition to this booming industry.”

Founded in 2006, Certified Origins is now a well-established international food producer and distributor with branches and distribution in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and the United States. The company is the proud owner of the Bellucci Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil brand and can also count on long-term partnerships with American retailers, thanks to multiple successful private label programs.

“Certified Origins is joining a growing number of companies in the food and beverage sector that are investing in Virginia to establish or expand their operations,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We recently expanded our capacity to support growth in this area of business, so The Port of Virginia is well-positioned to help Certified Origins and its peers connect with world markets and grow their business. We look forward to the benefits this facility will bring to the City of Newport News and collaborating with Certified Origins as we go forward.”

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