NEWPORT NEWS — Certified Origins, an Italian-based company that focuses on the production of olive oil, has announced that its first U.S. production facility will be located in Newport News.
On Wednesday, March 30, the Virginia Economic Development partnership released a statement on behalf of Gov. Glenn Youngkin that Certified Origins will invest $25 million in order to establish its first U.S. production facility in Newport News. The company cited an increase in demand for both its branded and private-label products as to the reason its opening.
“We are excited that Certified Origins has chosen Newport News as the location to build their first American production facility,” said Senator T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason. “The Peninsula is an attractive place for both economic development and business expansion with our proximity to The Port of Virginia making the region an ideal spot for imports and exports. Certified Origins has made a name for themselves by developing high-quality, authentic, and traceable olive oil and I am eager to welcome their brand to our community.”
Certified Origins was founded in 2006 when a small group of olive farmers in Italy with a joint passion for producing authentic, fresh extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by sourcing from family olive farms. Since then, Certified Origins has grown into an international producer and distributor for its products in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and the United States. The company’s brands include Rootie Extra Virgin Olive oil as well as Bellucci Premium 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the latter can be found on store shelves throughout the United States.
The company’s new facility will be located at 230 Pickett’s Line in Newport News in the Oakland Industrial Park. High-quality extra virgin olive oils will be imported through the Port of Virginia in Norfolk and then taken to the Newport News facility in order to craft blends as well as provide tailored packaging solutions for Certified Origins’ domestic and international markets. The new facility is slated to bring 30 new jobs to the Hampton Roads community.
“The Port of Virginia’s strategic investments and transportation infrastructure enable international businesses to easily import, export and distribute their products, making the Commonwealth a prime launch point into the U.S. market,” said Governor Youngkin. “These logistical advantages and workforce continue to attract high-caliber global companies and we are proud to welcome Certified Origins to Virginia.”
Virginia successfully campaigned against Maryland for the establishment of this facility. After such time, Gov. Youngkin approved a $125,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund in order to assist the City of Newport News in this new project.
“We welcome Certified Origins to Newport News and the city’s growing community of international firms,” said City of Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS. “Our location and business climate, as well as our robust and diverse workforce network, educational opportunities, talent pipeline, and community resources make Newport News the perfect site for economic and business success. We are proud to serve as the home of Certified Origins’ first production facility in the United States and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.”
Certified Origins is also eligible for state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program (administered through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development), which encourages job creation and personal investment, as well as support for funding and to establish services for employee training activities through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
To learn more about Certified Origins, please visit its website.