Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced on Dec. 19 that Nutkao USA Inc. will be locating its nut butter manufacturing operation in Nash County. The company plans to create 56 new jobs and invest more than $7.3 million during the next three years in Rocky Mount. The N.C. Department of Commerce’s Vivian Powell was the developer on this project.
Nutkao USA Inc. is an international producer of nut-based spreads, creams, and fillings. It produces hazelnut butter spreads, cocoa and cocoa/nut spreads, and milk and dark chocolate spreads. The hazelnut spread market is a growing sub-category of peanut butter throughout the United States.
The Italian-based company has developed into an international leader in the production of spreads in the private label segment. Nutkao also plays a significant role in the Italian market of semi-finished products for the sweet industry, including liquid chocolate, chocolate drops, and spreads in cisterns and buckets.
Nutkao USA President Davide Braida expressed the company’s appreciation. “The USA venture is a key step for Nutkao International development. We are happy to build our new manufacturing operation in Nash County where, thanks to the local authorities’ support, we have identified the ideal conditions to run our USA business. We appreciate the efforts of the State of North Carolina and we thank all the partners involved. We are here to build a long and fruitful relationship with the local community.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $210,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
Other partners that helped with this project include: N.C. Community Colleges, Nash County, City of Rocky Mount, The Golden LEAF Foundation, and Carolinas Gateway Partnership. Read more.