Red River Foods plans $15.5M expansion of Henrico headquarters

Red River Foods, a global supplier of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, snacks, and grains, will invest $15.5 million to expand its Eastern Henrico County headquarters, bringing new processing capabilities and as many as 23 jobs to the region.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and company officials made the announcement Sept. 2.

The expansion will allow the company to move pasteurizing, roasting, seasoning, blending, and packaging operations — currently outsourced nationwide — to its Henrico location near Richmond International Airport. Red River recently purchased the former Franz Haas Machinery building on Settler Road, adjacent to its existing location on Sprouse Drive, to house the new facility, which also will enable the launch of new snack mix products.

“Virginia’s greatest strength is how our unique advantages come together to create unmatched opportunities for success,” Youngkin said. “That’s why Red River Foods chose to expand here. With $15.5 million in new investment and 23 new jobs coming to Henrico County, the company is not only scaling its production capabilities but also reinforcing its long-standing commitment to success in the Commonwealth.”

Founded in New York and named for the Red River Valley in North Dakota, Red River Foods moved its headquarters to Henrico in 1991. It has since grown into a major international player, sourcing products from countries including China, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Turkey, and Vietnam. In 2021, the company opened its 100,000-square-foot Henrico facility to support storage and distribution.

Company leaders said the decision to expand locally reflects their confidence in Virginia’s workforce and business climate.

“As we look to the future, it was important to us that Virginia continues to play a meaningful role in the next chapter of our story,” said Sean Conner, Red River Foods’ chief financial officer.

Local and state officials praised the move as a win for both economic development and job creation.

“Red River Foods’ expansion is a clear sign of confidence in Henrico County and our talented workforce,” said Sen. Lashrecse Aird. Del. Delores McQuinn added that the investment “will create high-quality jobs and further solidify Henrico’s reputation as a hub for innovation and global commerce.”

Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson highlighted the company’s role in the local economy, saying that the company's “global reach and dedication to ethical sourcing make them a valued leader—not only in the snacking industry but also in Henrico’s economy.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Henrico County Economic Development helped secure the project. Red River Foods will receive support through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides funding and consulting services to help with workforce recruitment and training.

Virginia Port Authority CEO Stephen Edwards noted that the Port of Virginia also played a role in the company’s growth, allowing it to reach markets worldwide.