Kerry Group, a global food and beverage company headquartered in Ireland, has selected the Lehigh Valley for its first manufacturing facility in PA. The company will open a multi-million-dollar coffee roasting and extraction operation in Hanover Township, Northampton County, creating 61 new jobs and strengthening the region’s food and beverage production market.

The state is investing $516,880 to support the project, which includes plans for future expansion. The PA Department of Community and Economic Development is providing a $316,880 Pennsylvania First grant and a $200,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training. Kerry Group is also encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program for potential additional savings.

“With this acquisition, Kerry is enhancing production capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies to meet the rising demand for all-natural coffee ingredients across multiple markets, ultimately driving business growth and innovation,” says John Cahalane, president and CEO of Kerry North America. “We are especially proud to partner with the Commonwealth of PA, whose support has been instrumental in making this expansion possible. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Bethlehem is the right place to grow our coffee business and deepen our commitment to sustainable nutrition and local community development.”

Kerry is leasing a facility formerly occupied by beverage producer Martin Bauer Group and will retain 16 employees from the previous operation.

“Agriculture is at the heart of our economic development strategy—and this investment from Kerry shows that economic growth and opportunity flows right through PA’s farmlands,” says Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Lehigh Valley is home to more than 100 international companies, with food and beverage producers forming a cornerstone of its manufacturing-driven economy. Over the past 15 years, employment in food and beverage manufacturing has grown by 76%. Global brands operating in the region include Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Boston Beer Co., Freshpet, Just Born, Bakerly/Norac Foods, and Bimbo Bakeries.

In June, Turkish candy producer Kervan USA broke ground on a $20 million manufacturing and packaging facility in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships, which will also serve as its U.S. headquarters.

“A leading global company like Kerry could have chosen to expand anywhere, and we are thrilled that they chose PA,” says Rick Siger, secretary of community and economic development. “The Shapiro Administration is working hard to attract international business and industry to the Commonwealth as we help drive manufacturing and food production around the world. Kerry’s facility in Bethlehem will spur further economic development in PA and provide excellent career opportunities for people in Northampton County.”