Riviana Foods Inc. has expanded its production capacity for its microwaveable rice products under the Minute rice brand.
This expansion, a $27 million investment which will double current operational output, represents the second time in three years that Riviana has implemented a significant capital project to improve ready-to-serve production capabilities at its 400,000-s.f. processing and packaging plant located at 2314 South Lauderdale Street in Memphis. As a result of this expansion, approximately 25 additional jobs will be created in production, shipping, maintenance and supervision increasing the total number of employees at the plant to 384.
According to Enrique Zaragoza, Riviana’s SVP and COO, because of the continued increased demand for ready-to-serve products in the U.S., Riviana has improved its operational capability to meet the requirements of this rapidly growing market segment.
“We will be in a stronger position to meet or exceed customer needs for the product,” he said. “Just as important, this investment confirms our commitment as a partner with our employees and the Memphis business community.”
This is the fifth expansion at the Riviana complex which began in 2006 with the purchase of approximately 310 acres of land on South Lauderdale and the company being granted a 12-year PILOT incentive for its investment to acquire the property and construct and equip the facility. With this most recent expansion, the company secured an additional seven-year PILOT incentive.
Minute Ready-to-Serve products come in 19 varieties including, Jasmine Rice, Multi-Grain Medley, Organic Brown Rice, Organic White Rice, Organic Red and Organic White & Red Quinoa.
Riviana Foods Inc. is North America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products and its second largest pasta manufacturer. The Riviana family of brands includes Minute, Mahatma, Success, Carolina, Comet, Adolphus, Blue Ribbon, RiceSelect, Gourmet House, Ronzoni, Creamette, Skinner, San Giorgio, Prince, Catelli, American Beauty, No Yolks, Wacky Mac and Light & Fluffy.
Riviana is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods S.A., a Spanish food company.
