Company announced project in July 2024 to meet growing consumer demand
OWENSBORO, Ky. (March 17, 2025) – Mizkan America broke ground on the company’s $156 million expansion project in Owensboro on Monday.
The expansion of the company, an industry-leading producer of pasta sauces and vinegars, is expected to create 44 new quality Kentucky jobs, according to a news release.
“The tremendous growth we are seeing within Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has been a crucial component of our surging economy,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Mizkan America’s decision to reinvest in the commonwealth and our communities shows that our New Kentucky Home is the best place for business. I look forward to the company’s continued success here in Kentucky.”
The project includes the expansion of Mizkan’s Owensboro facilities by approximately 320,000 square feet, which will bring the company’s operational space to nearly 1 million square feet.
The investment will support building improvements, new machinery and equipment, IT upgrades, a new manufacturing line and warehousing space that will allow the company to manufacture Holland House, cooking wine, Mizkan Asian sauces and vinegars and Nakano rice vinegar at the Owensboro plant for the first time. The upgrades will help Mizkan meet customer demand and strengthen its position as a market leader.
“Our factory in Owensboro has been in business for almost 50 years and currently makes around 1 million jars of pasta sauce every day,” said Koichi Yuki, CEO of Mizkan America. “Our Owensboro team has been a huge contributor to Mizkan America’s growth and success over the years. We really believe that the future for our business is bright in Owensboro, and we feel privileged to be part of this wonderful community.”
Mizkan America’s Owensboro team has supported numerous local charities over the years, most notably the Cliff Hagen Boys & Girls Club, events supporting those with special needs like Night to Shine and the GRADSA Buddy Walk, as well as providing pasta sauce donations to God’s Outreach, which helps address hunger at the local level. The Ragú brand, made in Owensboro, has also partnered with international charity Lasagna Love to celebrate National Lasagna Day.
The Mizkan Group is a privately held international food manufacturer headquartered in Handa, Japan, with a heritage that spans more than 200 years. Mizkan Group is women-owned and -operated, currently by members of the eighth and ninth generations of the founding Nakano family. The Mizkan Group offers a lineup of well-known international brands under the Mizkan umbrella and is a leader in the liquid condiment category, with major operations in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom. Mizkan America, based in Mount Prospect, Illinois, is one of the leading makers of pasta sauce and vinegar products in the United States. Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty Asian and food ingredient trade channels. Mizkan America brands include: Ragú, Bertolli, Holland House, Nakano and Mizkan. The company is the exclusive distributor for Angostura bitters in North America.
Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen is excited to see the company continue to grow in the community.
“It is impressive to think about the millions of jars of Ragú pasta sauce made every year in our community and shipped around the country,” he said. “We are grateful that Mizkan selected their Owensboro facility for this new project, cementing their long-term presence here. Daviess County is a great place to do business with a talented workforce ready to support further economic growth. Mizkan is one of our top employers, and we look forward to their continued success in our community.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson noted the positive impact the company has on the local community.
“Mizkan has been an invaluable asset to our community, providing a positive work environment and offering countless opportunities for their dedicated employees to build a future and support their families,” Watson said. “We are incredibly proud to have them as a part of our community.”
Claude Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., highlighted the significance of today’s event.
“A groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the start of construction, it represents the dedication, vision and hard work that builds on a legacy,” Bacon said. “With this expansion, Mizkan is deepening its roots in Greater Owensboro for decades to come.”
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