Nutkao USA, Inc.
This Italian company is an international producer of nut-based spreads, creams, and fillings. The company produces hazelnut butter spreads, cocoa and cocoa-nut spreads, and milk and dark chocolate spreads. The hazelnut spread is a growing sub-category of peanut butter throughout the United States.
The Carolinas Gateway Partnership was instrumental in bringing Nutkao to Nash County. The County owned a shell building that was ideal for Nutkao’s operations. A private developer was willing to build to suit and lease the building back.
However, on the day before the company was to make its final site selection, Nutkao advised the Carolinas Gateway Partnership that if more incentive could not be provided, the plant was going to South Carolina. In less than 24 hours, the Partnership secured a $355,000 grant to assist with infrastructure needs. On the decision day, Nutkao selected Rocky Mount because of the overnight efforts of the Partnership staff.
“The USA venture is a key step for Nutkao International development. We are happy to build our new manufacturing operation in Nash County where we have identified the ideal conditions to run our USA business. We appreciate the efforts of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership and we thank all the partners involved. We are here to build a long and fruitful relationship with the Rocky Mount community.”